Cottage food operations

A Cottage Food Operation is a home-based operation that produces, processes, packages, and labels cottage foods for sale to consumers. Cottage foods are limited to certain types of foods that don’t require temperature control and are typically made in small quantities and sold directly to consumers, farmers' markets, online, or even wholesale with a Class B permit. The approved list of cottage foods is updated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). A cottage food operation is limited to a one full time employee and household members. 

There are two types of permits:

• Class A – allows for direct sales with a $75,000 cap per year.
• Class B – allows for both direct and indirect sales (wholesale) with a $150,000 cap per year

You must obtain approval from EHS before you start selling your product.

Internet sales are restricted to direct delivery and pick-up; shipping is only allowed for Class A and Class B within the state of California.
 

Approved foods

The approved list of cottage foods is maintained and updated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Requirements

• Complete and submit the cottage food business application along with the annual operating permit fee. Your permit needs to be renewed annually with a renewal application.
• Possess a valid CA food handler’s card within 90 days of receiving your permit to operate
• Sample of labels with ingredients that will be used on your food items need to be included with your application.
• Obtain a local business license from your city or the County of Marin if your home is in the unincorporated area of Marin County.
   

Use the contact information on this page to submit your application by email or in printed form.  You can call the number provided to make payments by Visa or MasterCard.  

If you choose to hand deliver your application, please arrive 1 hour before closing to be safe.