Cottage food operations are permitted in unincorporated San Diego County under California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 / Health & Safety Code §113758). Class A permits allow direct-to-consumer sales from home. Class B permits allow indirect sales (farmers markets, stores). Annual revenue cap of $75,000.
California's Cottage Food Law allows home-based production and sale of specified non-potentially-hazardous foods. Class A cottage food operations sell directly to consumers from the home or at community events and require registration with the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ). Class B operations sell indirectly through stores, restaurants, or farmers markets and require a DEHQ permit plus annual inspection. Annual gross revenue is capped at $75,000 (increased from $50,000 by AB 626). Allowed products include baked goods, candies, jams, dried fruits, nuts, granola, and other shelf-stable items. The kitchen used must be the operator's primary home kitchen.
Operating without proper registration/permit, exceeding revenue caps, or selling non-approved food types may result in DEHQ enforcement action including fines and closure orders.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle cottage food operations.
See how Fallbrook's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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