Cottage Food Operations: Ontario vs Rialto
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Rialto has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Cottage Food Operations are legal in Ontario under AB 1616 and AB 1240 MEHKO. Class A and B CFOs register or permit through San Bernardino County Environmental Health, with state annual sales caps.
View full Ontario rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Homemade Food Operations Act (Health & Safety Code §113758 and §114365) and the Cottage Food Law preempt most local zoning of cottage food operations (CFOs). Class A CFOs (direct sales) and Class B CFOs (direct + indirect sales) may operate from a private home in any residential zone, including Rialto, subject to San Bernardino County Department of Public Health registration / permit. Rialto cannot prohibit a CFO but may require a home-occupation permit and business license under RMC Title 5 and Title 18.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| State law | AB 1616 (H&S 113758) and AB 1240 | - |
| Class A | Direct sale, registration only | - |
| Class B | Indirect sale, permit required | - |
| MEHKO | San Bernardino County opted in | - |
| Label required | Made in a Home Kitchen | - |
| State statute | - | Cal. Health & Safety Code §§113758, 114365 |
| Class A CFO cap | - | $75,000 gross sales / year (indexed) |
| Class B CFO cap | - | $150,000 gross sales / year (indexed) |
| Permitting agency | - | San Bernardino County Department of Public Health |
| Local preemption | - | City cannot prohibit; may regulate as home occupation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my Ontario kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A or B Cottage Food Operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health, get a food handler card, and add the state-required home kitchen label.
Can I sell home-cooked meals under MEHKO?
Yes. San Bernardino County has adopted the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations program under AB 1240, allowing limited meal sales with a permit and inspection.
Rialto FAQ
Can Rialto stop me from running a cottage-food bakery from my home?
No. Cal. Health & Safety Code §114365 expressly forbids local prohibition of CFOs in residences. Rialto may require a business license and home-occupation clearance, but cannot ban the use itself.
Where do I register a Class A CFO in Rialto?
Through the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services. Class A operations require registration; Class B operations require a permit and annual inspection.
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