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California Cottage Food Label Requirements

Cottage Food Operation (CFO), Class A / Class B — California Homemade Food Act (HSC §113758, §114365 et seq.)

Registration

Required

Class A: county registration with self-certification, no routine inspection. Class B: county permit with initial inspection. Valid statewide; operator training within 3 months.

Annual sales limit

CPI-adjusted annually: $88,878 (Class A) / $177,756 (Class B) effective Jan 1, 2026 (base $75,000/$150,000, HSC §113758)

Where you can sell

Class A: direct sales only, statewide (internet/phone orders OK; fulfilled in person, mail delivery, or third-party delivery). Class B: direct and indirect (restaurants, markets). California only.

The required label statement

Made in a Home Kitchen

12-point type on the principal display panel (HSC §114365.2). Use "Repackaged in a Home Kitchen" if applicable. Statute uses title case; CDPH's example label uses all caps — the 12-point size is the hard rule.

What must be on your label

  • Common or descriptive name of the food product on the principal display panel
  • "Made in a Home Kitchen" in 12-point type on the principal display panel
  • Name of the cottage food operation; city and ZIP code (street address too if not listed in a current telephone directory)
  • Registration or permit number (Class A/B) plus the county of the issuing local enforcement agency
  • Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight (if 2+ ingredients)
  • Net quantity in both English and metric units
  • Allergen declaration per federal law
  • Nutrition Facts panel only if a nutrient content or health claim is made
  • Advertising (websites, social media) must also carry the home-kitchen statement with permit number and county

Worth knowing

  • Label must carry the permit/registration number AND the issuing county — the generator must collect both.
  • Net quantity must be dual-unit (e.g. oz AND grams).
  • Product must be on CDPH's Approved Cottage Food List.

Verified against official California sources on 2026-08-31. Official source. This page is not legal advice — confirm requirements with your state.

Create a label with the California statement included