Cottage Food Operations: Altadena vs Los Angeles
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Altadena, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Cottage food operations in unincorporated LA County are governed by California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616/AB 626). Class A operators sell direct to consumers. Class B operators (indirect sales, farmers markets) need LA County DPH registration. Annual sales caps apply.
View full Altadena rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Cottage food operations are governed by the CA Homemade Food Act (AB 1616) and enforced by LA County Dept of Public Health. Class A operators sell direct to consumers without a permit from the county (self-certification). Class B operators who sell indirect (retail/online) need a county permit ($292). Annual gross sales capped at $75,000 for Class B. Only non-potentially-hazardous foods allowed.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Direct sales, $75,000 cap | Self-certification, direct sales only |
| Class B | County health registration needed | $292 county permit, indirect sales |
| State Law | CA HSC 113758 | CA AB 1616 Homemade Food Act |
| Labeling | Home kitchen disclosure required | - |
| Sales Cap | - | $75,000/year (Class B) |
| Food Types | - | Non-potentially-hazardous only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from home in LA County?
Yes, under California's Cottage Food Law. Class A permits direct sales up to $75,000/year from your home or farmers markets with just a self-certification checklist. No commercial kitchen is needed.
What foods can I sell under the Cottage Food Law?
Non-potentially-hazardous foods: baked goods, candy, chocolate, dried fruit, granola, honey, jams/jellies, nut butters, popcorn, and more. Foods requiring refrigeration are not permitted.
Do I need a health permit for cottage food?
Class A (direct sales only) requires only a self-certification checklist. Class B (sales through stores/restaurants) requires registration with LA County Department of Public Health at (888) 700-9995.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?
Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Los Angeles allows certain shelf-stable foods sold directly to consumers with proper labeling.
Do I need a commercial kitchen?
No, cottage food laws allow production in your home kitchen without commercial inspection, within revenue limits.
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