Cottage Food Operations

Environmental Health Cottage Food Program

Cottage Food Bill Signed By Governor Brown- Becomes Effective January 1, 2013.

Assembly Bill 1616- Cottage Food Operations (CFO) was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 21, 2012, and becomes effective January 1, 2013. This law allows certain non-potentially hazardous foods to be made in a private home and sold directly to consumers or restaurants and markets.

Do you qualify as a Cottage Food Operation? Follow the CCDEH Flowchart (PDF) to find out.

The following is an overview of requirements. For the complete text of the law, please view: California State Assembly Bill Number 1616.

TypeCLASS ACLASS B
Cottage FoodSold directly from CFO to Consumer
  • Sold directly from CFO to Retail Food Facilities (e.g., markets, bakeries)
  • Sold directly from CFO to Consumer
Approved FoodsBaked goods such as cakes (without cream), cookies, bread, scones, candies, nuts, granola, etc. (See "California Department of Public Health Approved Cottage Food list" for complete list.) (PDF)

Baked goods such as cakes (without cream), cookies, bread, scones, candies, nuts, granola, etc. (See "California Department of Public Health Approved Cottage Food list" for complete list.) (PDF)
Gross Sales Limit$75,000 or less in gross sales in 2015 and beyond$150,000 or less in gross sales in 2015 and beyond
Application Process & FeeNew Application, Product Category, Address Change $56.00 New Application $112.00 
FIRST TIME APPLICATIONS ONLY
Annual Renewal Process & Fees
  • Annual Renewal, Product Category or Address Changes Fee $56.00
  • Submit a copy of product label as you would use it on your product
  • Renewals will not be processed without a valid Food handlers Certification
  • Please note that if you wish to change your Class A registration to a Class B permit, you are required to apply and pay for a new Class B Permit.
  • Annual Renewal, Change of Address Fee $112.00
  • Submit a copy of product label as you would use it on your product
  • Renewals will not be processed without a valid Food handlers Certification
  • Please note that if you wish to change your Class B registration to a Class A permit, you are required to apply and pay for a new Class A Permit.
InspectionsConsumer Complaint InspectionsConsumer Complaint Inspections
Annual Routine Inspections
An initial/routine inspection of a Class B CFO must be performed in order to obtain a permit to operate.
Temporary Food Events (TFF)A permitted CFO will have to fill out a TFF application along with a permit fee of $84.00.A permitted CFO will have to fill out a TFF application along with a permit fee of $84.00


Applications Handouts

*Fees to be paid in the office-Cash or check, can be mailed to: 1213 Market Street Colusa, CA 95932

  • For any application submittals please use our online permit portal.

Additional Requirements

Please contact the following to determine your Business License requirements:

  • For selling in the County – Please contact the County Treasurer / Tax Collector Office at 547 Market Street, Suite 111, Colusa, CA 95932 - 530-458-0440.
  • For selling in the City of Colusa – Please contact the City of Colusa at 425 Webster Street, Colusa, CA 95932 - (530) 458-4941 Ext. 100.
  • For selling in the City of Williams – Please contact the City of Williams at 810 E Street, Williams, CA 95987 - (530) 473-5380.

Additional Information

Handouts