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This information is provided for general reference only and is based on publicly available official state sources. Laws and regulations may change and may be interpreted differently by local authorities. Always review the official source and confirm current requirements with the appropriate state or local authority before selling food products.

California Cottage Food Laws

CA
Source: Agency Confidence: Medium Model: Permit Required

Quick Summary

Permitted cottage food operations with registration, labeling, and inspection tiers.

Summary

California allows certain approved non-potentially hazardous foods to be prepared and packaged in a private home kitchen as a cottage food operation under state law and program rules.

Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Labeling RequiredYes
Inspection Required
Difficulty LevelModerate
Sales LimitNot listed
Local Rules May ApplyYes

State-Listed Allowed Food Categories

Bagels.
Biscuits.
Breads.
Brownies.
Buns.
Cakes.
Cookies.
Cupcakes.
Crackers.
Donuts.
Empanadas.
Flatbreads.
Fruit, nut, or seed bars.
Macarons and coconut macaroons.
Muffins.
Pastries.
Pies.
Pizzelles.
Quick breads.
Scones.
Tarts.
Tortillas.
Torts.
Waffles and waffle cones.
Baklava.
Churros.
Samosas.
Candy and confections.
Chocolate-covered nonperishable foods.
Dried fruit.
Dry baking mixes.
Roasted coffee.
Dry pasta.
Honey and sweet sorghum syrup.
Jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butter.
Nut mixes and trail mixes.
Popcorn.
Vinegar and mustard.
Dried mole paste.

Sales Types

Direct sales and other sales as allowed under California cottage food operation rules.

Use the official source link below for the final controlling wording.

Getting Started

What You Should Do First

Review the California Cottage Food Operations page and approved cottage foods list, confirm your food is on the approved list, and complete the local registration or permit process that applies to your operation type.

Common Issues

California uses local registration or permitting for cottage food operations, and approved foods are limited to the state-approved list.

Reproducibility Note

Initial source-first import using official state source.

Labeling

California cottage food operations must follow state and local labeling rules.

Required Label Items

Follow California cottage food labeling requirements
Use the approved food list and local CFO registration or permit rules
Include all required cottage food labeling information

Required Disclaimer

Made in a Home Kitchen.

Allergen Statement Required

Yes

Labeling Notes

Check the California state page and your local environmental health office for exact local requirements.

Official Source

Example Label

Product Name Required California cottage food label information Made in a Home Kitchen

Source: California Department of Public Health – Cottage Food Operations

Last Reviewed: 2026-04-18 00:06:18

Source Checked: 2026-04-18 00:06:18

County and city registration, permit, zoning, tax, and local health requirements may also apply. Review local requirements before selling.