Unincorporated San Mateo County follows California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616) and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO, AB 626). Class A and Class B cottage food operations allowed. SMC opted in to MEHKO permitting in 2022 — hot meals permitted from registered home kitchens.
San Mateo County follows California's California Homemade Food Act (Health & Safety Code §113758) allowing Class A (direct sale only, up to $75,000 annual gross) and Class B (direct and indirect sale through restaurants/retail, up to $150,000) cottage food operations. Permitted products: baked goods without cream/custard, jams/jellies, dried fruit, granola, roasted coffee, dry teas, popcorn, nut mixes, and similar shelf-stable items. Hazardous foods requiring refrigeration excluded. Labeling must include producer name, address, registration number, ingredients, allergens, and 'Made in a Home Kitchen' disclaimer. Class A requires only registration with County Environmental Health; Class B requires permit and initial inspection. San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted MEHKO (AB 626/AB 377) in 2022, making it one of the first Bay Area counties to allow Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations — hot/potentially hazardous meals sold direct to consumers with a county permit, 30 meals/day or 60/week cap, $100,000 annual limit. Food handler card required for all operators.
Operating without registration (Class A) or permit (Class B, MEHKO): cease and desist, fines $100-$1,000. Exceeding revenue caps: commercial kitchen requirement. Selling prohibited products: misdemeanor possible under H&S §113758. Label violations: written warning then fine.
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