Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana residents can run a Cottage Food Operation under AB 1616 after registering with San Bernardino County Environmental Health. AB 1240 allows microenterprise home kitchens serving full meals.
View full Fontana rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
California AB 1616 and AB 1240 authorize cottage food operations from home kitchens. San Bernardino operators must register with County Environmental Health and follow state product, label, and sales rules.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Permit authority | San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services | - |
| CFO classes | Class A direct sales; Class B wholesale with inspection | - |
| CFO annual cap | 75,000 dollars gross sales, inflation adjusted | - |
| Approved foods | CDPH low-risk list - baked goods, jams, dried items, candy | - |
| MEHKO option | Up to 90 meals per week, 100,000 dollars annual under AB 1240 | - |
| State authority | - | CA Homemade Food Act AB 1616 and AB 1240 |
| Class A | - | Direct sales only, self-registration and food handler course |
| Class B | - | Indirect sales allowed, annual home-kitchen inspection |
| Revenue caps | - | 75,000 dollars Class A and 150,000 dollars Class B |
| Labeling | - | Must disclose home kitchen and allergens per state rule |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I sell home-baked cookies from my Fontana kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A Cottage Food Operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health, obtain a Fontana business license, and label products per CDPH rules.
Can I cook full meals at home and sell them?
Yes through a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation permit (AB 1240) - San Bernardino County has opted in, with limits of 90 meals per week and 100,000 dollars annually.
Do CFO sales have a dollar cap?
Yes. California caps CFO gross sales at 75,000 dollars per year, adjusted periodically for inflation; MEHKO has a separate 100,000 dollar cap.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my San Bernardino home?
Yes, register as a Class A or B cottage food operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health and follow the state approved food list and labeling rules.
Can I sell my homemade salsa or canned tomatoes?
Only low-acid or properly acidified items on the approved list qualify; most home-canned vegetables are not allowed due to botulism risk.
Can I advertise my cottage food business with a yard sign?
No. State law allows the operation, but San Bernardino home occupation signage rules still prohibit exterior business signs.
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