Berkeley permits Cottage Food Operations under CA AB 1616/AB 1240. Class A direct sales need registration with Alameda County; Class B indirect sales need a permit and home inspection.
California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616, Homemade Food Act 2012, expanded by AB 1240 in 2021) allows home kitchens to produce low-risk foods for sale. Berkeley follows state law and requires minimal local involvement. Class A operations (direct sales only - farmers markets, home pickup, community events) register with the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health, complete a food handler course, and self-certify their kitchen; no on-site inspection. Class B operations (indirect sales through restaurants, retail shops, online with delivery) require a permit and an initial home kitchen inspection by Alameda County Environmental Health. Revenue caps are 75,000 dollars gross annually (2024). Approved foods are limited to the CDPH list: baked goods without cream, jams, candies, dry mixes, granola, dried pasta, roasted nuts, etc. No meats, dairy, or fresh salsas. Berkeley also requires a Home Occupation Permit under BMC 23.306 and a Business License. Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO under AB 626/AB 377) serving hot meals require separate county opt-in, which Alameda County has not fully authorized. Contact Alameda County EH at (510) 567-6700.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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