How do I get a cottage food permit in California?
California lets you make approved shelf-stable foods (bread, cookies, jams, dried fruit, candy) in your home kitchen and sell them under a Cottage Food Operation. Class A is for direct sales to customers and needs a county registration; in 2026 its gross sales cap is $75,000. Class B also allows sales through shops and restaurants, needs a county permit with an inspection, and has a $150,000 cap. You apply to your county or city environmental health department, not the state.
Key facts
- Class A
- Direct sales only · registration · $75,000 cap (2026)
- Class B
- Direct + indirect sales · permit and inspection · $150,000 cap (2026)
- What you can sell
- Only foods on CDPH's approved cottage food list — nothing that needs refrigeration
- Where to apply
- Your county (or city) environmental health department
- Training
- A state-approved food processor course
- Label
- Must say “Made in a Home Kitchen” and list ingredients and allergens
Step by step
- Check every product against the CDPH approved cottage food list.
- Decide Class A (direct sales only) or Class B (you also want to sell through shops or restaurants).
- Complete a food processor course.
- Prepare your registration or permit application, self-certification checklist and label samples.
- Submit to your local environmental health department with the fee.
- Get your city business license and, if your sales are taxable, a CDTFA seller's permit.
Questions
What is the difference between Class A and Class B cottage food?
Class A can only sell directly to customers (in person, at events, or by direct delivery) and needs a registration. Class B can also sell through permitted shops, cafés and restaurants, and needs a permit with an inspection. The 2026 sales caps are $75,000 for Class A and $150,000 for Class B.
Can I sell cottage food online in California?
You can take orders online, but a Class A operator must deliver directly to the customer. Shipping to retailers or selling through other businesses requires Class B.
What happens if I go over the cottage food sales cap?
Above $150,000 a year you are past the Class B limit and need a licensed commercial kitchen and a processed food registration instead.
Can I sell cheesecake or other refrigerated foods as cottage food?
No. Cottage food is limited to non-potentially hazardous foods on the state's approved list. Foods that need refrigeration require a commercial kitchen or, where allowed, a home kitchen (MEHKO) permit.
Official sources
- Cottage Food Operations — California Department of Public Health
- Cottage Food Operations — forms and instructions — Alameda County Department of Environmental Health
Last checked against official sources on . Regulatory OS explains official requirements and prepares applications; it is not a government agency and does not give legal advice. Agencies make all permit decisions.