Made in a home Kitchen

What’s a Cottage Food Operation?

In 2012, Governor Brown signed a California bill that allows individuals to prepare and/or package certain non-potentially hazardous foods in private-home kitchens referred to as "cottage food operations" (CFOs).

There are many rules to follow for these businesses and each County Public Health Department has a staff to screen and follow the home bakers.

What are the rules?

Here are a few of the rules that might help you understand some of the limitations in the distribution:

• A “Class A” CFO, such as itCanBeVegan.com, can only prepare foods that are in the Approved Cottage Food List.

• All items offered on the menu have to be approved by the Staff of the County Public Health Department.

• The CFO has to follow very strict labeling rules that provides the Permit information, all the ingredients and sub-ingredients used.

• The CFO owner has to take a Food Handler Training.

• The CFO  owner has to implement strict sanitary operations.

• A “Class A” CFO can only sell directly. A direct sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using any other third-party delivery service.

• A “Class A” CFO can only ship in California.