Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- registration
- Cost
- $100-$376+ annually (varies by county and class)
- Renewal
- Annual
- Inspection
- No
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StatePermissive
California cottage food rules
Review sales limits, online sales, registration, labeling, venues, shipping, foods, and source notes for this jurisdiction.
Sales limit
$80,475 (Class A) or $160,950 (Class B)
Online sales
Yes
Registration
Required
Training
Required
Current law details
Start with the summary, then verify locally.
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.
Setup requirements
Registration, training, and labeling details.
These are the common operating requirements sellers check before launching or changing sales channels.
Training
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- ANAB-accredited food handler training
- Cost
- $7.95-$40 (employer must cover for employees as of Jan 1, 2024)
- Validity
- 3 years
Labeling
"Made in a Home Kitchen"
- 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
Sales channels
Allowed venues and fulfillment methods.
Confirm how customers are allowed to buy, receive, or pick up products before opening a sales channel.
Sales venues
Home sales
Allowed
Farmers markets
Allowed
Roadside stands
Allowed
Events
Allowed
Retail stores
Limited
Restaurants
Not allowed
Online
Allowed
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 and delivery
- In-state
- Allowed
- Out-of-state
- Not allowed
- 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.).
Product categories
Allowed food categories.
Allowed and limited categories are only a planning aid. Check official guidance before selling a specific recipe.
Baked goods
Allowed
Candy and confections
Allowed
Jams and jellies
Allowed
Acidified foods
Not allowed
Canned goods
Not allowed
Dried goods
Allowed
Perishables
Not allowed
Meat products
Not allowed
Dairy products
Not allowed
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.
Updates and cautions
Check these notes before making changes.
Recent updates and warnings are included to help you spot issues that may need extra verification.
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
- 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
Sources used for this summary.
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Use these sources as a starting point for current verification.
- 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 rules change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
Next step
Turn California rules into a clear ordering experience.
Use Cottage CMS to publish products, pickup windows, forms, disclosures, and order workflows after you verify the current local requirements.