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California Food Business Laws

pacific region · Pop. 38,965,193

Limited13 published categoriesLatest recorded review: June 18, 2026

Recorded review dates for 13 of 13 published categories. A review date is not a guarantee that requirements are current.

Published-category signalLimited
Informational Only: This information is compiled from public sources for educational purposes and may not reflect the most recent changes. Verify all requirements with your state's regulatory agency before starting or operating a food business. This is not legal advice.

Cottage Food

Advantaged

California two-tier system. Class A (direct sales, $75,000 base — ~$88,878 CPI-adjusted for 2026) requires county registration, no inspection. Class B ($150,000 base — ~$172,411 in 2025, CPI-adjusted annually) requires county permit and home kitchen inspection. Both require ANSI-accredited food handler course within 3 months, renewed every 3 years. Caps adjust annually by CA CPI — verify the current-year figure with CDPH.

Revenue Cap
$75,000 / year

Class A: $75,000 base (~$88,878 CPI-adjusted 2026). Class B: $150,000 base (~$172,411 CPI-adjusted 2025; 2026 figure higher). Caps increase annually with CA CPI per AB 1144 (2021) — verify the current-year amount with CDPH.

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

Canning & Preserves

Workable

California allows jams, jellies, and fruit butter under cottage food (Class A $75,000 / Class B $150,000). Food handler card and pH testing required. Acidified foods must meet pH < 4.6. Low-acid canning prohibited. Class B requires permit and kitchen inspection.

Revenue Cap
$75,000 / year

Class A: $75,000. Class B: $150,000 with permit

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Honey

Advantaged

California allows honey under cottage food (Class A $75,000 / Class B $150,000). Honey is specifically listed as an approved cottage food product. Apiary registration required. Food handler card required. Infused honey triggers full cottage food labeling.

Revenue Cap
$75,000 / year

Class A: $75,000. Class B: $150,000 with permit

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Specialty Foods

Advantaged

California allows specialty foods under cottage food (Class A $75,000 / Class B $150,000). Nut butters are specifically allowed. Dried pasta, granola, trail mix, and spice blends are all permitted. Infused oils prohibited. Food handler card required.

Revenue Cap
$75,000 / year

Class A: $75,000. Class B: $150,000 with permit

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Pet Treats

Limited

California is one of the most restrictive states for pet food. All pet food and treats must be manufactured in a licensed, inspected commercial facility. Home kitchen production is not allowed. Annual Pet Food Processor Registration $190/year (no separate per-product fee). CDPH Food and Drug Branch enforces strict AAFCO compliance.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; must use licensed commercial facility

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Fermented Foods

Limited

California explicitly prohibits fermented vegetables under cottage food law. Kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and similar products are not on the approved cottage food list. Commercial facility and food processor registration required for fermented food production.

Revenue Cap
$75,000 / year

Fermented foods not permitted under cottage food law

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Label Requirements

  • N/A — fermented foods not permitted under cottage food

Food Freedom Laws

Workable

California has no standalone Food Freedom Act. Homemade food sales are governed by California's cottage food law, which is permissive (a $75,000/yr cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
$75,000 / year

Class A: $75,000 base (~$88,878 CPI-adjusted 2026). Class B: $150,000 base (~$172,411 CPI-adjusted 2025; 2026 figure higher). Caps increase annually with CA CPI per AB 1144 (2021) — verify the current-year amount with CDPH.

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumer

Domestic Kitchen

Workable

California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit (AB 626/AB 377) is a true home-kitchen restaurant tier above cottage food: it allows hot, prepared, ready-to-eat meals made and sold from a home kitchen with a permit and inspection. Capped at 30 meals/day, 90/week, and $107,121/yr (2025, inflation-adjusted). Available only in counties/cities that opt in (≈19 jurisdictions as of 2026).

Revenue Cap
$107,121 / year

$107,121/yr (2025); 30 meals/day, 90/week; county/city opt-in required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumer

Farm Direct

Workable

California has no standalone farm-direct exemption. Farm value-added products are governed by California's cottage food law, which is permissive (a $75,000/yr cap, registration/permit required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
$75,000 / year

Class A: $75,000 base (~$88,878 CPI-adjusted 2026). Class B: $150,000 base (~$172,411 CPI-adjusted 2025; 2026 figure higher). Caps increase annually with CA CPI per AB 1144 (2021) — verify the current-year amount with CDPH.

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumer

Complete Pet Food

Limited

California is one of the most restrictive states for complete pet food. CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Program requires all pet food to be manufactured in a licensed, inspected commercial facility. Annual registration fee of $150 per product plus tonnage fees. Strict AAFCO nutritional adequacy compliance enforced. Prop 65 warnings may apply.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; must use licensed commercial facility

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesale

Raw Pet Food

Limited

California is the most restrictive state for raw pet food. CDFA has proposed additional regulations specifically targeting raw pet food products. All raw pet food must be manufactured in a licensed, inspected commercial facility. Mandatory pathogen testing with zero-tolerance for Salmonella and Listeria in finished products. Annual registration $150 per product plus tonnage fees. Prop 65 warnings may apply.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; strictest raw pet food regulations in the country

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesale

Pet Supplements

Limited

California requires all pet supplements to be manufactured in a licensed commercial facility and registered with CDFA. Annual registration $150 per product plus tonnage fees. Strict enforcement of structure/function vs. drug claim distinction. CBD pet supplements are prohibited unless explicitly approved. Prop 65 warnings may apply.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; must use licensed commercial facility

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesale

Pet Bakery

Limited

California requires ALL pet bakery products to be manufactured in a licensed, inspected commercial facility. Home kitchen production is not permitted. CDFA enforces strict AAFCO compliance even for treat products. Annual registration $150 per product plus tonnage fees. California is one of the most restrictive states for pet bakeries.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; must use licensed commercial facility

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesale

Pet Food Regulations for California

Commercial feed licensing, AAFCO compliance, fees, and feed control official contact

View Details

Business Formation in California

Review business-formation options and the recorded fees for California. Confirm current fees and obligations with the state filing office; forming an entity does not guarantee asset protection.

LLC Filing Fee

$70

Annual Fee

$800

Processing Estimate

~5 days

DBA Fee

$26

  • • $800/year franchise tax is due regardless of income
  • • Operating agreement required by CA Corp Code Sec. 17701.10
  • • Additional LLC fee scales with revenue above $250K
Secretary of State Website →Start Formation Wizard
Limited

California Public Signal

13 of 13 published categories assessed. An overall band requires every published category to be assessed.

Revenue-cap periods follow normalized display labels, not verified legal reset rules. Missing or unrecognized periods display as annual; confirm the applicable period with the regulator.

Cottage Food

Advantaged

Canning & Preserves

Workable

Honey

Advantaged

Specialty Foods

Advantaged

Pet Treats

Start Your California Food Business

Get your personalized compliance roadmap, startup cost estimate, and step-by-step launch guide.

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© 2026 Cottage Launchpad. All rights reserved.

This is informational guidance, not legal advice. Always verify requirements with your state regulatory agency before selling food products.

direct-to-consumerfarmers-marketonline-instatephone-ordersmail-deliverythird-party-deliveryretail-stores-class-brestaurants-class-b

Recorded Products

baked goods without cream/custard/meat fillings

buttercream frosting (no eggs/cream/cream cheese)

fruit butters

preserves

jams

jellies

roasted/pasteurized nuts

granola

cereals

honey

dried fruit

popcorn

candy

Recorded Label Requirements

  • Made (or Repackaged) in a Home Kitchen statement
  • CFO name
  • net weight
  • full ingredient list
  • allergen information
  • producer address
  • production date
  • county-approved labels

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114365 et seq.

Recorded review: June 17, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online-instate
retail-stores-class-b

Recorded Products

jams

jellies

fruit butter

apple butter

fruit preserves

chutney

pickles (high-acid/acidified)

salsa (acidified)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • product name
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a Home Kitchen label
  • registration/permit number
  • net weight
  • pH testing required for acidified foods

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

Cal. Health & Safety Code 114365 et seq.

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online-instate
retail-stores-class-b

Recorded Products

raw honey

filtered honey

creamed honey

comb honey

infused honey

beeswax products

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • product name (honey)
  • net weight
  • ingredients (if infused)
  • allergens
  • Made in a Home Kitchen label
  • registration/permit number

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • USDA grade
  • floral source
  • nutrition facts

Cal. Health & Safety Code 114365 et seq.; Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 29040 (Apiary)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online-instate
retail-stores-class-b

Recorded Products

dried herbs

spice blends

tea blends

dry mixes

seasoning packets

granola

trail mix

dried pasta

flavored salts

nut butters

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • product name
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a Home Kitchen label
  • registration/permit number
  • net weight

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

Cal. Health & Safety Code 114365 et seq.

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

dog treats

cat treats

pet food

pet snacks

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein, fat, fiber, moisture)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • net weight (metric and US customary)
  • manufacturer/distributor name and address
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat/snack/supplement designation
  • California registration number

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content (kcal/kg and per treat)
  • feeding directions
  • Prop 65 warning if applicable

Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 14901 et seq.; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, § 2750

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

Cal. Health & Safety Code 114365 et seq. (fermented foods excluded from approved list)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
farmers-market
online-instate
phone-orders
mail-delivery
third-party-delivery
retail-stores-class-b
restaurants-class-b

Recorded Products

baked goods without cream/custard/meat fillings

buttercream frosting (no eggs/cream/cream cheese)

fruit butters

preserves

jams

jellies

roasted/pasteurized nuts

granola

cereals

honey

dried fruit

popcorn

candy

Recorded Label Requirements

  • Made (or Repackaged) in a Home Kitchen statement
  • CFO name
  • net weight
  • full ingredient list
  • allergen information
  • producer address
  • production date
  • county-approved labels

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated Food Freedom Act; governed by Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114365 et seq.

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online (local pickup/delivery)
from-home

Recorded Products

hot prepared meals

ready-to-eat foods

TCS foods (within permit)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • operator name
  • permit number
  • allergen disclosure

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • ingredients
  • menu

California MEHKO, Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114367 et seq. (AB 626, 2018; AB 377, 2021)

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
farmers-market
online-instate
phone-orders
mail-delivery
third-party-delivery
retail-stores-class-b
restaurants-class-b

Recorded Products

baked goods without cream/custard/meat fillings

buttercream frosting (no eggs/cream/cream cheese)

fruit butters

preserves

jams

jellies

roasted/pasteurized nuts

granola

cereals

honey

dried fruit

popcorn

candy

Recorded Label Requirements

  • Made (or Repackaged) in a Home Kitchen statement
  • CFO name
  • net weight
  • full ingredient list
  • allergen information
  • producer address
  • production date
  • county-approved labels

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

No dedicated farm-direct exemption; governed by Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114365 et seq.

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
retail
online

Recorded Products

dry kibble

wet/canned food

semi-moist food

fresh refrigerated food

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • nutritional adequacy statement (formulation or feeding trial method)
  • feeding directions
  • net weight (metric and US customary)
  • manufacturer/distributor name and address
  • calorie content (kcal/kg and per unit)
  • California registration number

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • Prop 65 warning if applicable
  • life stage designation

Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 14901 et seq.; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, § 2750

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
retail
online

Recorded Products

raw frozen pet food

freeze-dried raw

dehydrated raw

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat/snack designation
  • safe handling instructions
  • storage and temperature requirements
  • net weight (metric and US customary)
  • manufacturer/distributor name and address
  • California registration number

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • Prop 65 warning if applicable
  • pathogen testing disclosure

Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 14901 et seq.; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, § 2750

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
retail
online

Recorded Products

joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin)

probiotics

omega fatty acids

vitamins

minerals

digestive enzymes

calming supplements (non-CBD)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • directions for use/dosage
  • net weight (metric and US customary)
  • manufacturer/distributor name and address
  • intended use statement (structure/function claim only)
  • California registration number

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • NASC quality seal
  • Prop 65 warning if applicable
  • calorie content

Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 14901 et seq.; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, § 2750

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
retail
online

Recorded Products

baked dog biscuits

pet birthday cakes (commercial facility only)

peanut butter cookies

pumpkin treats

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • treat/snack designation
  • net weight (metric and US customary)
  • manufacturer/distributor name and address
  • California registration number

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • guaranteed analysis
  • calorie content
  • Prop 65 warning if applicable
  • feeding directions

Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 14901 et seq.; Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, § 2750

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
Limited

Fermented Foods

Limited

Food Freedom Laws

Workable

Domestic Kitchen

Workable

Farm Direct

Workable

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Pet Supplements

Limited

Pet Bakery

Limited

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