Temecula, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

California's Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code §113758 and §114365 et seq.) allows residents to prepare specific low-risk, non-potentially-hazardous foods in their home kitchen for retail sale. Approved foods include baked goods without cream/meat fillings, jams/jellies, granola, dry pasta, dried fruits, popcorn, candy, roasted coffee, and similar shelf-stable items — the full approved list is maintained by CDPH. Class A operations sell directly to consumers (farmers markets, online, special events, in-person from the home) and may earn up to $150,000 in gross annual sales (raised by AB 1144 in 2021). Class B operations also sell indirectly through restaurants, retailers, and other third parties and require an annual on-site inspection. Both classes require: completion of an approved food processor course within 3 months, registration (Class A) or permit (Class B) from Riverside County Environmental Health Department, kitchen separated from pets and household activities during preparation, no infants/sick household members during prep, properly labeled products including 'Made in a Home Kitchen' notice, and compliance with allergen labeling. AB 626 separately created the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) category for hot-meal home restaurants — Riverside County has not opted into MEHKO, so MEHKO is not available in Temecula. Cottage food operators still need a Temecula Business License.