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

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) together with 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 Victorville residents to apply. Both programs require food safety training (food handler card), labeling with Made in a Home Kitchen, and allergen disclosure. High Desert note: extreme summer heat makes ingredient storage and transport critical — cream-filled and time/temperature-sensitive foods are excluded from CFO, which is especially important at 110 F. A Victorville home occupation permit and business license are also required.