Cottage food operations in unincorporated Ventura County are regulated by the County Environmental Health Division under California's Cottage Food Law (Health and Safety Code Sec. 113758). Class A operations make direct sales only, limited to $75,000 in gross annual sales, and self-register; Class B operations may also sell indirectly, are limited to $150,000, and require a permit and initial inspection.
Home-based food businesses in the unincorporated county are handled by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (EHD) under California's Cottage Food Law, codified in the California Retail Food Code at Health and Safety Code Sec. 113758 (enacted by AB 1616). Only non-potentially hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration for safety may be made and sold. There are two classes. A Class A Cottage Food Operation engages in direct sales only (for example at the home, farm stands, certified farmers' markets, bake sales, or online direct to consumers) and is limited to $75,000 in gross annual sales; it self-certifies with a checklist registration submitted to EHD, is not subject to an initial or routine inspection, and is not treated as a food facility. A Class B operation may engage in both direct and indirect sales (such as selling wholesale to restaurants and markets) and is limited to $150,000 in gross annual sales; it must obtain a Permit to Operate, receive an initial inspection, and renew the permit annually. For both classes, the cottage food operator, assisting family members, and any employee must pass a California-approved food handler course (Class A requires this within three months of registration), and all products must be labeled with the words 'Made in a Home Kitchen' plus other required label information. Food-handling activities must occur inside the home's living space, not in a garage, shed, or backyard. Because a cottage food business is also a home business, the County's home occupation rules and a Business Tax Certificate may apply.
Selling cottage foods without the required EHD registration or permit, exceeding the gross sales caps, selling potentially hazardous foods, or omitting required labeling can result in enforcement by Environmental Health, permit denial or revocation, and orders to stop sales.
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