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CDPH Cottage Food FAQ (pdf)
CCDEH Guidance (pdf)
Food Label Example (pdf)
CFO Permit Process Flow Chart (pdf)
Special and/or Temporary Events
Zack Parsons: 415-252-3848
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.
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 |
|
|
* All fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable.