Cottage Food Operations: Castro Valley vs Hayward
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and Hayward, CA?
Castro Valley and Hayward have similar restriction levels.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Cottage Food Operations are governed by state law (AB 1616 as amended by AB 1240) and registered or permitted through Alameda County Environmental Health; Class A registers, Class B is permitted and inspected.
View full Castro Valley rules →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Hayward follows California AB 1616 and AB 1240 rules, allowing Class A and Class B cottage food operations with Alameda County Environmental Health registration.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| State law | AB 1616 / AB 1240 California Homemade Food Act | AB 1616 CFO |
| Class A | Direct sales only; registration with Env. Health | - |
| Class B | Indirect sales allowed; permit plus inspection | Inspection required |
| Approved foods only | State Approved Food List (non-PHF) | - |
| Training | Food processor course within 3 months | - |
| Registration | - | Alameda Env Health |
| Sales cap | - | 75,000 dollars/year |
| MEHKO | - | Not yet in Alameda County |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
Can Alameda County ban home-based food sales?
No. State law preempts most local bans; counties may only impose reasonable standards such as zoning consistency and complaint response.
What about hot meals?
Hot prepared meals fall under the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program under AB 626, which is separate from CFO.
Hayward FAQ
Can I sell hot meals from my kitchen?
Not yet in Alameda County. Only cottage foods (baked, non-hazardous) are allowed until the county opts into MEHKO.
Do I need a business license?
Yes, a Hayward Business Tax Certificate plus state CFO registration through Alameda County.
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