SERVICE
Apply for a "cottage food" permit
You can sell certain low-risk foods made in your home to customers and food markets if you have this permit.
What to know
This can be for:
- Food items you sell to people directly
- Food items you sell to markets, bakeries, or restaurants
The food you make:
- Must be on the State of California's approved list
- Must be low-risk and not require refrigeration
- Can include certain baked and dry goods, candy, and extracts
What to do
1. Make sure you have completed other steps beforehand
Before you apply for your "cottage food" permit, make sure you have:
- Registered your business
- Gotten your food handler certificate
2. Determine which permit you need
There are 2 types of permits that allow you to sell food you make at your home:
- Class A: Selling to people directly (individual customers)
Sales limited to $75,000 per year
- Class B: Selling to people and retail locations (markets, bakeries, restaurants)
Sales limited to $150,000 per year
3. Fill out the application packet
The first page has a checklist with everything you need to include when you submit your application.
This includes forms like the zoning referral you must have to open your business.
Get help
Partner agencies
What to know
This can be for:
- Food items you sell to people directly
- Food items you sell to markets, bakeries, or restaurants
The food you make:
- Must be on the State of California's approved list
- Must be low-risk and not require refrigeration
- Can include certain baked and dry goods, candy, and extracts
What to do
1. Make sure you have completed other steps beforehand
Before you apply for your "cottage food" permit, make sure you have:
- Registered your business
- Gotten your food handler certificate
2. Determine which permit you need
There are 2 types of permits that allow you to sell food you make at your home:
- Class A: Selling to people directly (individual customers)
Sales limited to $75,000 per year
- Class B: Selling to people and retail locations (markets, bakeries, restaurants)
Sales limited to $150,000 per year
3. Fill out the application packet
The first page has a checklist with everything you need to include when you submit your application.
This includes forms like the zoning referral you must have to open your business.