California Cottage Food Law

Separate program authorized by AB 626 that lets home cooks prepare and sell hot, refrigerated, or perishable meals directly to consumers. Limited to 30 meals/day, 90 meals/week, $100K gross/year. Requires county environmental health permitting and is only available in counties that have opted in (~12 counties as of 2026).

How much can I make under California cottage food law?

California has a two-tier gross-revenue cap codified in California Health and Safety Code Section 113758: Class A Cottage Food Operations (direct sales only) cap out at a $75,000 statutory base, and Class B Cottage Food Operations (direct plus indirect sales through registered retailers) cap out at a $150,000 statutory base. AB 1144 (2021) raised the caps from a uniform $50,000 to the current two-tier structure, and both ceilings are adjusted annually by the California Consumer Price Index — so the actual 2026 lines sit slightly above the statutory base figures.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B in California?

Class A Cottage Food Operations may sell only directly to consumers — at your home, at certified farmers markets, at community events, by in-state delivery, or by in-state pickup. Class A is registered through the county environmental health office and does not require a kitchen inspection. Class B may sell directly AND indirectly through third-party retailers such as restaurants, grocery stores, and cafes, but requires a permit and a one-time kitchen inspection by the county. Both classes are limited to the same approved foods list and prohibited from interstate shipping.

Do I need a permit or license for cottage food in California?

Yes. Every California cottage food operator must register (Class A) or obtain a permit (Class B) through the county environmental health department where the kitchen is located. Class A self-certifies and does not require an in-person inspection; Class B requires a one-time kitchen inspection and an annual permit renewal. Both classes require the operator to complete a food processor or food handler training course within three months of registration and renew it every three years, per California Health and Safety Code Section 114365.2(d).

Can I sell hot sauce, pickles, or canned goods under California cottage food law?

Generally no. California cottage food law excludes acidified canned goods, low-acid canned goods, fermented foods (other than fermented vinegar), and most pickled products from the approved list. The narrow exceptions are jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, and certain dried fruit-and-vinegar shrubs that meet defined sugar and acidity thresholds. This is the single biggest contrast with states like Texas.

Can I ship California cottage food across state lines?

No. California cottage food sales are limited to within California. Interstate shipping triggers federal jurisdiction (FDA), which does not recognize state cottage food exemptions. Online sales within California are permitted under both Class A and Class B as long as the buyer is in California and delivery is in-state.

What is MEHKO and how is it different from cottage food?

MEHKO stands for Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation — a separate program authorized by AB 626 (2018) that lets home cooks prepare and sell hot, refrigerated, or perishable meals directly to consumers. MEHKO is limited to 30 meals per day, 90 meals per week, and $100,000 gross per calendar year — limits raised by AB 132 (2023). MEHKO requires county environmental health permitting and is only available in counties that have actively opted into the program.