California Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
License Required
Limit: Class A: $75,000 base (CPI-adjusted, ~$88,000 in 2026); Class B: $150,000 base (~$176,000 in 2026); MEHKO: $100,000 (CPI-adjusted) / Year
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
CottageFoodLicense.com is an informational platform, not a law firm. The information provided by our AI Checker, templates, and guides does not constitute legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. You must verify all information with your local health department before selling products.
Allowed
- ✓Baked goods (no cream/custard/meat fillings)
- ✓Candy and chocolate
- ✓Fruit jams, jellies, preserves (21 CFR Part 150 fruits)
- ✓Dried fruit
- ✓Granola, cereal, trail mix
- ✓Roasted nuts and nut butters
- ✓Popcorn and popcorn balls
- ✓Honey
- ✓Dry tea blends and roasted coffee
- ✓Dry baking mixes
- ✓Spices and dry herb blends
- ✓Vinegars and mustards
- ✓Waffle cones, pizzelles
- ✓Extracts (≥70 proof)
Prohibited
- ✕Meat and jerky
- ✕Dairy products (except dry)
- ✕Fish and seafood
- ✕Acidified foods (pickles, hot sauce, salsa)
- ✕Fermented foods and kombucha
- ✕Low-acid canned foods
- ✕Cream and custard fillings
- ✕Raw-milk products
- ✕Any potentially hazardous (TCS) foods
Labeling Protocols
01Product name (common or descriptive)
02Name of the Cottage Food Operation
03Registration or permit number AND name of issuing county
04Complete ingredient list in descending order by weight
05Net weight/volume (US + metric)
06Allergen statement per federal law
07Statement: 'Made in a Home Kitchen' (or 'Repackaged in a Home Kitchen') in 12-point type on the primary display panel
08Same disclaimer required in any online/social media advertising
FAQs
What are the current sales caps?
Class A: $75,000 base (CPI-adjusted to ~$88,000 in 2026). Class B: $150,000 base (~$176,000 in 2026). MEHKO: $100,000 (CPI-adjusted). All caps adjust annually per the California Consumer Price Index — verify the current figure with your county environmental health department.
Can I have employees?
Yes — one full-time-equivalent employee who is not an immediate family or household member. Family/household helpers do not count against the limit.
Can I sell online and ship?
Yes. Both Class A and Class B operations may sell online and ship or deliver (including via third-party services like DoorDash) anywhere within California. Out-of-state shipping is not permitted under cottage food law.
What permit do I need?
Class A (registration) for direct-to-consumer sales only. Class B (permit + kitchen inspection) for direct PLUS indirect sales through retailers/restaurants. MEHKO is a separate permit for cooking and selling hot meals from your home — only available in counties that have opted in.
Is MEHKO available in my county?
MEHKOs are only legal in counties/cities that have passed an enabling ordinance. As of 2026, ~19 jurisdictions have opted in (including Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Santa Clara, Alameda, Solano, Sonoma, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, Fresno, Madera, Kings, Glenn, Inyo, Lake, Santa Barbara — plus Berkeley and Long Beach). Orange and Sacramento counties have NOT opted in. Check mehko.org for the current list.
What disclaimer must appear on my label?
Cal. H&S Code § 114365.2 requires 'Made in a Home Kitchen' (or 'Repackaged in a Home Kitchen') in 12-point type on the primary display panel. The same statement must appear in any internet, social media, or print advertising.
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
Some links below are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend services we'd suggest to a friend. Full disclosure.
- 01
Liability Shield
Form an LLC
Separating your personal finances from your cottage food business protects your home and savings if a customer ever brings a claim. Both providers below file in all 50 states and handle registered agent service for California.
- 02
Protect Your Kitchen
Get Product Liability Insurance
A single allergy incident or contamination claim can erase years of profit. FLIP (Food Liability Insurance Program) is built specifically for cottage food operators — flat-rate annual policies with farmers market and online sales coverage included.
- 03
Recommended in California
Complete Food Safety Training
California does not mandate food safety training, but completing one builds buyer trust and protects you if a labeling or handling question ever arises. Learn2Serve's online course takes a few hours.
- 04
Production Ready
Set Up Your Kitchen and Labels
The right thermometers, storage containers, scale, and label printer turn a home kitchen into a compliant production space. Our Week 11 equipment guide walks through what we use and the California-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$75
Varies by county. Class A: ~$75–$220 (LA $118, SD $216, OC $221). Class B: ~$250–$500 (LA $292, SD $491). MEHKO fees vary by participating county. No statewide schedule.
Renewal
Annual
Shipping