Fullerton vs Orange
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Orange, CA?
Fullerton and Orange have similar restriction levels.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton permits cottage food operations under California's Cottage Food Act (AB 1616, Health and Safety Code Sections 113758 et seq.). Class A cottage food operators sell directly to consumers and register with the Orange County Health Care Agency. Class B operators may sell through third-party retailers and require a county permit. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000. Only approved non-potentially hazardous foods may be prepared.
View full Fullerton rules →Orange, CA
Orange County
California's Cottage Food Act (AB 1616) allows residents in Orange to prepare and sell approved non-potentially-hazardous foods from their home kitchen. Class A operations sell directly to consumers; Class B operations may sell to stores and require an OC Health permit.
View full Orange rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Direct sales only — OCHCA registration required | - |
| Class B | Indirect sales allowed — OCHCA permit required | Requires OC Health permit |
| Annual Cap | $75,000 gross sales | - |
| Labeling | 'Made in a Home Kitchen' label required | - |
| OCHCA | (714) 433-6000 | - |
| Class A Cap | - | $75,000 annual sales |
| Business License | - | Required from City of Orange |
| State Law | - | H&S Code §113758 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Fullerton?
Yes. Under California's Cottage Food Act, you can prepare and sell approved non-potentially hazardous foods like baked goods from your home kitchen. Register as a Class A operator with the Orange County Health Care Agency to sell directly to consumers. You also need a Fullerton business license.
What foods can I sell as a cottage food operator?
Approved items include baked goods without cream filling, candies, dried fruits, granola, honey, jams, jellies, nuts, popcorn, and certain other shelf-stable foods. Meat, dairy cream, and cut fresh fruit products are not permitted. The OCHCA website has the complete approved list.
How much can I earn from cottage food sales in Fullerton?
Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000 under California law. Both Class A and Class B operations are subject to this cap. Exceeding it may require transitioning to a licensed commercial kitchen operation.
Orange FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Orange?
Yes. Under California's Cottage Food Act, you can sell approved non-hazardous foods. Class A requires self-certification; Class B (to stores) requires an OC Health permit.
Do I need a business license for cottage food in Orange?
Yes. A City of Orange business license is required in addition to the appropriate cottage food registration or permit from OC Environmental Health.
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