Effective January 1, 2013, the Cottage Food Bill, AB1616, allows certain low-risk food products, to be prepared and packaged in private home kitchens in California. The Cottage Food Bill, also known as the California Homemade Food Act, was passed in an effort to help Californians recover from the slow economy, promote small scale businesses and create jobs. This type of operation is called a Cottage Food Operation (CFO).
Only low-risk food products that are non-potentially hazardous are allowed to be sold by a CFO. These types of products do not require refrigeration and are considered safe from rapid bacterial growth that can cause sickness. Visit California Department of Public Health for more information on Cottage Food Operations.
Cottage Food Forms
Cottage Food Guidance
Food Safety Course Providers
(Cottage Food only requires Food Handler Card)