Cottage Food Operations: Escondido vs Fallbrook
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Escondido, CA and Fallbrook, CA?
Fallbrook has fewer restrictions than Escondido.
Escondido, CA
San Diego County
CA Homemade Food Act applies. SD County DEH approval before city license. Kitchen only. Class A: $75K. Class B: $150K. One non-resident employee.
View full Escondido rules →Fallbrook, CA
San Diego County
Cottage food operations are permitted in unincorporated San Diego County under California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 / Health & Safety Code §113758). Class A permits allow direct-to-consumer sales from home. Class B permits allow indirect sales (farmers markets, stores). Annual revenue cap of $75,000.
View full Fallbrook rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Escondido | Fallbrook |
|---|---|---|
| DEH | Required first | - |
| Class A | $75K/yr | Direct sales from home — registration required |
| Class B | $150K/yr | Indirect sales — DEHQ permit + inspection |
| Employees | 1 part-time | - |
| Location | Kitchen only | - |
| Revenue Cap | - | $75,000 annual gross |
| State Law | - | H&S Code §113758 (AB 1616) |
| Authority | - | County DEHQ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Escondido FAQ
Permit?
DEH approval + city business license.
Garage OK?
No. Kitchen only.
What to sell?
Baked goods, candies, jams, dried fruits per CA law.
Fallbrook FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in San Diego County?
Yes. Under California's Cottage Food Law, you can produce and sell certain shelf-stable foods from your home kitchen. Class A registration allows direct-to-consumer sales; Class B permits allow sales through stores and farmers markets.
How do I get a cottage food permit?
Register with the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality. Class A operations require registration. Class B operations require a permit and annual kitchen inspection.
What foods can I sell as a cottage food operation?
Approved items include baked goods, candies, jams, dried fruits, nuts, granola, honey, and other non-potentially-hazardous, shelf-stable foods. You cannot sell foods requiring refrigeration like dairy, meat, or fresh salads.
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