Why this matters
What California actually allows — and what it doesn't.
AB 1616 (2012) created cottage food law; AB 1144 (2021) raised caps to $75k/$150k with inflation adjustment; AB 626 (2018) authorized MEHKO operations; AB 660 (2024) standardizes date labels effective July 1, 2026.
Cottage Food—Two-Tier System:
Class A (Direct Sales):
2025 cap: $86,206 (inflation-adjusted from $75k base)
Annual revenue cap
$86,206 a year.
Annual gross cap
$86,206
Required label language
Every package carries a statutory disclaimer.
The disclaimer below must appear on every package, in the exact casing the statute specifies:
Required on every label
Made in a Home Kitchen
— AB 1616 (2012), AB 1144 (2021), AB 626 (2018), AB 660 (2024); Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758, §114365 et seq.
Sales channels
Where you can sell in California — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
YesYesSeller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
YesYesInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
California requires registration before you sell.
- Registration
Required
Type: permit
- Registration cost
$100
- Timeline
About 30 days
- Labeling standard
AB660 Strict
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Not required
- Address privacy
Available
Via permit number
Food categories
What usually sits outside this cottage food lane.
- Tcs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Cut Produce
- Canned Goods
- Acidified Foods
- Fermented Foods
- Garlic In Oil
- Cannabis Cbd
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in California.
Confirm your products qualify
Compare your menu against California's cottage food lane. Temperature-controlled, meat, seafood, and low-acid canned items often require a different path; check the state-specific food categories above.
Register with your state agency
California requires cottage food operators to register before selling. Registration cost is $100. Expect about 30 days for processing.
California registration portalLabel every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, allergens, and the statute-required disclaimer verbatim.
Start taking orders
California allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.
Frequently asked
California cottage food — your questions answered.
What's the difference between Class A and Class B cottage food in California?
Class A is direct-to-consumer only — you can sell at farmers' markets, from your home, online, through in-state shipping, and through third-party delivery apps, up to $86,206 a year (2025 figure, inflation-adjusted from the $75,000 base). You register with your county environmental health department ($100–$268/year depending on county) but there's no home inspection. Class B adds the ability to wholesale to restaurants and retail stores, raises the cap to $172,411, and requires a permit plus a mandatory home kitchen inspection ($150–$300+/year).
Do I need to register with California to start selling cottage food?
Yes. Both Class A and Class B require registration with your county environmental health department before your first sale. Class A is registration only; Class B is a permit with inspection. Registration is not optional in California — unlike states like Texas or Florida, you cannot sell first and register later.
Can I sell through DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Yes, for cottage food (both Class A and Class B). California is one of the few states that explicitly allows third-party delivery for cottage food, alongside seller delivery and in-state shipping via USPS, UPS, and FedEx. MEHKO (prepared meals) is different — MEHKO permits only allow seller or employee delivery within the county.
What's MEHKO and do I need it?
MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations) is a separate California framework under AB 626 that lets you sell prepared, temperature-controlled meals — hot food, refrigerated dishes, full entrees — from your home kitchen. It requires a county permit, home kitchen inspection, food manager certification, and caps you at 30 meals a day or 90 a week. It only exists in counties that have opted in. If you're selling shelf-stable items (baked goods, jams, candies), you want cottage food. If you want to sell cooked plates, see [the MEHKO guide](/states/california/mehko).
Does AB 660 affect my labels?
Yes, starting July 1, 2026. AB 660 standardizes date-label phrasing across all packaged food, including cottage food. You may use "Best if Used By" (quality) or "Use By" (safety). "Sell By" dates directed at consumers are prohibited. The rule applies to products manufactured on or after the effective date.
California cottage food laws: what is the short version?
California requires permit before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $100. The annual gross sales cap is $86,206. California allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery for cottage food sellers in the current data.
Do I need a cottage food permit in California?
Yes. California requires permit before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $100. Check the official state source before selling because local zoning, food safety training, or label rules may still apply.
What foods can I sell from home in California?
California's cottage food lane is mainly for foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety. Common no-go categories include tcs, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs.