California Cottage Food Laws
Income Limit
$80,475 (Class A) or $160,950 (Class B)
Online Sales
Yes
Current Law Details
AB 1144 (2021) established two-tier system with inflation-adjusted caps. Class A: direct sales only, no routine inspection. Class B: allows indirect sales through retail/restaurants, requires annual kitchen inspection. MEHKO (restaurant-style operations) available in ~15 counties. Only one non-family employee allowed.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- registration
- Cost
- $100-$376+ annually (varies by county and class)
- Renewal Period
- Annual
- Inspection Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- ANAB-accredited food handler training
- Cost
- $7.95-$40 (employer must cover for employees as of Jan 1, 2024)
- Validity Period
- 3 years
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"Made in a Home Kitchen"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Product name on principal display panel
- ✓CFO name, city, and zip code
- ✓Registration/permit number and issuing agency
- ✓Ingredients list (if 2+ ingredients, descending order)
- ✓Net quantity (weight, volume, or count) in English and metric
- ✓Allergen declaration (8 major allergens)
- ✓Must be legible and in English
Allowed Sales Venues
Class A: direct sales only (farmers markets, online, delivery). Class B: direct AND indirect sales (retail stores, restaurants). Restaurants are only available for Class B operations. Class B can sell across all CA counties without special permission (AB 1144 removed county-by-county restrictions).
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Allowed
AB 1144 (2021) explicitly allowed shipping and third-party delivery services. All sales and deliveries must remain within California. Both classes can ship and use third-party platforms (UPS, USPS, DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.).
Allowed Foods
Strict approved foods list maintained by CDPH (updated Feb/Apr 2025). IF NOT ON LIST, NOT ALLOWED. Baked goods without cream/custard/meat fillings, candies, fruit products (only 21 CFR Part 150 fruits), roasted nuts (raw nuts NOT allowed), coffee, popcorn, extracts (≥70 proof). NO potentially hazardous foods, acidified foods, low-acid canned, cream/custard fillings.
Recent Legislative Updates
AB 1144
Effective: January 1, 2022
Increased sales caps to $75,000/$150,000 with annual inflation adjustment, allowed shipping and third-party delivery, removed county-by-county permission requirement for Class B indirect sales
AB 626
Effective: January 1, 2019
Created MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations) framework for restaurant-style operations in select counties
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Sales caps are 2023 amounts - contact local health dept for current year inflation-adjusted amounts
- ⚠️Class B requires ANNUAL home kitchen inspection
- ⚠️California-only sales - cannot ship out of state
- ⚠️Strict approved foods list - if not listed, not allowed
- ⚠️Only one non-family employee permitted
- ⚠️MEHKO only available in ~15 counties/cities that passed enabling ordinances
- ⚠️County fees vary significantly ($100-$376+ annually)
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •California Health and Safety Code Section 114365
- •California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- •AB 1144 Bill Text
- •UC ANR Cottage Foods
- •County Environmental Health Departments
Important Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
Ready to Start Your Cottage Food Business?
Now that you understand California's cottage food laws, let Cottage CMS help you build a compliant, professional website that grows your business.