In today’s era where side hustles are a lucrative means of earning additional income, selling homemade food considerably ranks at the top. A significant number of food enthusiasts frequently ask, ‘Do I need a license to sell homemade food in California?’ This query resonates with the booming cottage food industry in California, especially among individuals keen to monetize their culinary prowess.
California is one state that firmly embraces cottage food operations, having put in place rules that enable homeowners to transform their homes into mini food factories. However, before you dive headfirst into your culinary venture, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in place governing homemade food business in California.
By law, anyone preparing and selling homemade food in California is considered a cottage food operation. Thus, they’re required to have a permit from the local health department which falls into either Class A or Class B permits.
A Class A permit, also known as a Cottage Food Operation (CFO) Class A permit, allows you to sell directly to consumers. This can be from your home, at community and farmer’s markets, or special events, among other places. To get this permit, you are required to complete a self-certification checklist but no physical inspection of your premises is required.
On the other hand, a Class B permit allows you to sell homemade food both directly to consumers and through third-party retail stores, such as local shops, restaurants, and more. To obtain this permit, a local health department official must conduct an inspection of your kitchen.
Regardless of which category you fall in, securing your permit will require you to complete a food processor course from an accredited institution. This course educates you on the food safety regulations that you must incorporate into your home food business.
Before you secure a permit to sell homemade food, ensure that your product falls under the approved food list as stipulated by the California Homemade Food Act. This list mainly encompasses non-perishable food items such as baked goods, candy, dried fruits, pasta, nuts, and vinegars among others.
In conclusion, obtaining a license to sell homemade food in California is a critical step not only towards legal compliance but also in instilling confidence in your customers. Now that you have this information, the opportunity to join the cottage food industry has never been easier.
Luckily, with platforms like Airmart, you have an instant marketplace available at your fingertips. Whether you’re making delicious homemade cookies or crafting your own unique blends of tea and coffee, Airmart provides you with the online platform you need to get your business up and running. Let your culinary hobby evolve into your financial means by joining the Airmart online selling platform today!