Cottage Food Operations are legal in Ontario under AB 1616 and AB 1240 MEHKO. Class A and B CFOs register or permit through San Bernardino County Environmental Health, with state annual sales caps.
California AB 1616 (Homemade Food Act of 2012) created the Cottage Food Operation program under Health and Safety Code 113758 and 114365 allowing residents to prepare approved low-risk foods (baked goods without cream fillings, jams, candies, granola, roasted coffee, and similar shelf-stable items) at home. Class A CFOs selling directly to consumers only register with the local environmental health agency, while Class B CFOs selling indirectly through third-party retailers obtain a permit with an annual inspection. Annual gross sales caps are adjusted periodically by statute and regulation; verify current limits with the California Department of Public Health. AB 1240 (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations, 2018) plus AB 1325 and related bills authorize county programs for home kitchens to serve limited numbers of meals per day. San Bernardino County has opted in to the MEHKO program, allowing Ontario residents to apply. Both programs require food safety training (food handler card), labeling with the words Made in a Home Kitchen, and compliance with allergen disclosure. Home occupation permit through the City of Ontario is also required.
Operating a cottage food operation without registration or permit is enforced by San Bernardino County Environmental Health with administrative fines and cease-and-desist orders. Violations of labeling or allergen rules can trigger consumer complaints and product recall orders.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle cottage food operations.
See how Ontario's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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