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Environmental Health

California Homemade Food Act (AB1616)

On January 1, 2013, the California Homemade Food Act (AB1616), also known as the Cottage Food Act, went into effect. This law allows small food businesses that produce "low-risk foods" (such as bake goods, candies, jam/jellies, desserts, and nuts) to operate out of a private home with limited regulatory oversight, as long as certain criteria are met.

 

Obtaining a Cottage Food Operation (CFO) Permit

Use the following table to better understand what class of CFO your business would qualify as and the documents needed to apply for a CFO permit.

Class A
Class B
Cottage Food Sales Class Type
 Direct sales from the CFO to the consumer Indirect sales – sales from CFO to Retail Food Facility (e.g., markets, bakeries, restaurants)

Direct sales from the CFO to the consumer

Approved Foods
 Only food items listed on the CA Department of Public Health's Approved Cottage Foods list will be approved.
Gross Sales Limit
 $75,000 annually $150,000 annually
Application
 1.  Cottage Food Permit Application Packet (pdf)  
2. Check payable to SFDPH for Fees
Fees*
 Total 2022-23 fee for Class A is $170 Total 2022-23 fee for Class B is $550
Inspections
  • Consumer complaint inspections
  • Annual routine inspection and consumer complaint inspections

 

Send all application forms, documents and fees to:
  • Environmental Health Branch
  • Attn: Cottage Food Program
  • 49 South Van Ness Ave., Suite 600
  • San Francisco, CA 94103

 

* All fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable.