Cottage Food Operations are governed by state law (AB 1616 as amended by AB 1240) and registered or permitted through Alameda County Environmental Health; Class A registers, Class B is permitted and inspected.
California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, as expanded by AB 1240) authorizes Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) statewide and preempts most local bans. In Alameda County, CFO registrations and permits are administered by the Alameda County Environmental Health Department. Class A CFOs, which sell only directly to consumers at the home or at events, register with the department and self-certify compliance. Class B CFOs, which also sell indirectly through retailers or restaurants, must obtain a permit and pass an on-site kitchen inspection. CFO gross annual sales are capped by statute (currently $150,000), and only foods on the state Approved Food List (non-potentially hazardous items such as breads, jams, candies, dry goods, and certain baked goods) may be produced. Operators must complete a California food processor training course within three months of registration, label products with required CFO disclosures, and follow state sanitation, allergen, and packaging rules. Local zoning as a home occupation also applies.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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