Aspiring small food business owners in the Golden State often ask, “Can I sell food from home in California?” or “Can you sell food from home in California?” The answer is very much affirmative, thanks to a few state laws designed to support local food entrepreneurs in their quest to transform their culinary passion into profitable businesses. This article will familiarize you with the current 2022 guidelines regulating the selling of food from homes in California.
California is one of the many states in the US that allows individuals to run a home-based food business under the Cottage Food Operation license. However, the process might seem daunting if you aren’t sure where to start. So, here’s your comprehensive guide to help you navigate these regulations.
California has two classifications for home-based food businesses: Class A and Class B Cottage Food Operations (CFOs). Class A operators can sell directly from home and other approved direct sale sites, while Class B operators can sell directly and indirectly through local retailers.
Both types of CFOs require a permit: Class A requires a Self Certification Checklist, while Class B requires an annual inspection by the local Environmental Health Department. Also, all CFOs must complete a food processor course that is approved by the California Department of Public Health within three months of registering.
An important part of the approval process is the list of approved food items you can sell. The State of California has a specific set of “non-potentially hazardous” foods that are approved for sale by CFOs. These foods don’t require refrigeration and are less likely to grow harmful bacteria. These include (but are not limited to) baked items, candies, chocolates, fruit pies, jams, jellies, honey, dried fruit and vegetables, and granolas, cereals, and trail mixes.
It’s worth noting that these food items must be properly labeled. The label must include the name of the product, the name of your business, your business address, and a declaration statement indicating that the product is homemade.
Hand-in-hand with the selling of homemade food comes the issue of income. As a cottage food operator, you need to be aware of the gross annual income limits attached to selling food from home. As of 2022, Class A and B CFOs are allowed gross annual sales of $50,000 or less.
While the question “Can I sell food from home in California?” is easily answered with a “Yes,” understanding local zoning restrictions before kicking off your venture is also important. Some counties in California have zoning regulations that may limit your ability to operate a CFO from your home. Always contact your local planning department to ensure you meet zoning requirements.
An essential legal requirement to sell food from home in California is securing a standard business license. All food operators are technically business owners and must have a business license issued by their city or county. Besides, having liability insurance is recommended to protect your business from potential lawsuits.
In summary, if you’re wondering, “Can you sell food from home in California?”, the opportunity is there —thank you, Cottage Food Law!. Yet, you have to navigate through several guidelines and permissions. From deciding what type of food you can sell, obtaining the necessary permits, understanding labeling standards, complying with gross annual sales limits, managing local zoning ordinances, to securing a business license and insurances – the pathway to selling food from home in California requires careful planning and execution.
Despite the elaborate process, the rewards of transforming your culinary knack into a thriving business can be incredibly fulfilling and lucrative. Good luck on your journey of dishing out homemade delights, and remember, every successful food business starts with a single delicious idea.