San Bernardino County, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

California Cottage Food Law, adopted as AB 1616 in 2012 and expanded by AB 1240, authorizes individuals to produce a defined list of non-potentially-hazardous foods (such as baked goods without cream fillings, jams and jellies, granola, dry herbs, candies, and roasted nuts) in a home kitchen. San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Services administers Cottage Food registration and permitting for operations in the county. Class A operations sell directly to consumers (at the residence, farmers markets, events, or by direct delivery) and require a simple self-certification registration; Class B operations may also sell indirectly through retail outlets and require an annual inspection of the home kitchen. Gross annual sales are capped at 150,000 dollars per year as adjusted by statute. Operators must complete an approved food-processor training course, label products with prescribed language including the CFO registration number and the statement MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN, and handle only permitted product categories. Cities and counties cannot prohibit CFOs through zoning but may apply reasonable home occupation limits on signage, parking, and nuisance. Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations under AB 626 and SB 972 are separately permitted by counties that have opted in; as of current policy San Bernardino County has not broadly opted into MEHKO permitting, so MEHKOs should confirm local status before operating.