California Cottage Food Labeling Requirements

California became the first state to establish a legislation regulating cottage food operations. California Cottage Food Labeling Requirements AB 1616 – The California Homemade Food Act – was signed into law, and it took effect on January 1, 2013. Class A CFOs have the ability to sell their wares both in-person and on the internet. Class B CFO’s are permitted to engage in the indirect selling of their products by way of retail outlets such as shops, restaurants, and other wholesale establishments. It is not possible for home cooks to run both a cottage food operation (which is explained on this page) and a microenterprise home kitchen operation.

All CFOs are required to put the phrase "Made in a Home Kitchen" on any advertisement that is directed toward the general public, regardless of how it is distributed. Authorized Locations
This page includes a list of foods that are allowed and items that are not allowed to be sold in the cottage food industry. You can find out more by consulting this resource or at the environmental health agency.