Cottage Food Operations

California Homemade Food Act (AB1616) - Cottage Food Operations is a law that became effective January 1, 2013. A Cottage Food Operation is an enterprise at a private home within the State of California where low risk food products are prepared or packaged for sale to consumers.

Yolo County Environmental Health is regulated by California Department of Public Health. Please access their Cottage Food Operations webpage for rules and regulations including a list of approved foods.

Two Classes of Cottage Food Operations:

• Class A is for selling food directly from your home or to individuals such as customers at a community event.*  Class A requires the operator to register with the local health department and renew annually. There is no inspection with a Class A registration.
• Class B allows you to sell to retailers who will then resell the food. For example, you sell food to a market or coffee shop who resells it to their customers. Class B requires the operator to obtain a permit from the local health department. There is a yearly inspection in order to obtain a Class B permit. You may also operate as a Class A Cottage Food Operation when you have a Class B permit.

*Please note that if you conduct point of service sales outside your home at a community event (farmer's market, festival/fair), you will need an additional permit that is not covered under the Cottage Food Law. Please go to our Temporary Food Facilities Page for more information.

How to Apply For a Permit:

• Submit Registration Application 
• Copy of Food Handler Safety Certificate (required within 60 days of opening for business)
• Sample labels (must be provided for EACH unique item) - see approved example label here 
• Application fee