Cottage Food Operations are legal in unincorporated Sacramento County under AB 1616 and AB 1240. Registration or permitting through Sacramento County Environmental Management Department is required, and sales are capped at 150,000 dollars annually (Class B).
The California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, 2012) and AB 1240 (2021) authorize home production of approved non-potentially hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, granola, dry mixes, candy, etc.) from private home kitchens. Class A CFOs sell directly to consumers and require only registration with Sacramento County Environmental Management. Class B CFOs sell indirectly through retailers or restaurants and require a county permit plus inspection. Annual gross sales are capped at 150,000 dollars as of 2022 (AB 1144). Products must be labeled with the producers name, address, CFO registration number, allergens, and the phrase MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN. Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) under AB 626 are a separate category for hot prepared meals, and Sacramento County has pilot authorization for MEHKOs.
Operating without registration is subject to health department cease and desist plus administrative fines. Selling prohibited food items (dairy, meat, cooked dishes outside MEHKO) is a violation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle cottage food operations.
See how Vineyard's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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