Cottage food operations in unincorporated LA County are governed by California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616/AB 626). Class A operators sell direct to consumers. Class B operators (indirect sales, farmers markets) need LA County DPH registration. Annual sales caps apply.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated LA County are governed by California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616, HSC 113758). Class A operations sell directly to consumers (farmers markets, from home) with gross sales up to $75,000/year. Class B operations can sell indirectly through stores and restaurants with the same cap. Permitted foods include baked goods, candy, dried fruits, granola, jams, and other non-potentially-hazardous foods. A self-certification checklist is required for Class A; Class B requires registration with LA County Department of Public Health. No commercial kitchen is needed — home kitchen is sufficient.
Selling non-permitted foods (those requiring refrigeration) violates the Cottage Food Law and can result in permit revocation and fines up to $500. Exceeding the $75,000 annual sales cap requires a standard food facility permit. Operating without self-certification (Class A) or registration (Class B) carries health code fines of $100-$250. Labeling violations are subject to separate penalties under CA food labeling laws.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle cottage food operations.
See how Altadena's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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