Where are the official California cottage food rules?

California Department of Public Health publishes them. Start at the California cottage food operations. Use the statute compilation when you need the code text.

Can I sell cottage food at a farmers market in California?

Often yes, if the food is on the state's allowed list and you meet the label and sales rules. The market can still require its own application. Confirm both.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page was reviewed in October 2026 and points you to the state sources. If a sales cap or food list here disagrees with the state page, use the state page.

CA · California Department of Public Health

California cottage food laws

California uses cottage food classes, and the county environmental health department issues the permit. The state page has the approved food list. The county sets the fee and the application.

Open the official source Read the statute

Official source: California cottage food operations. Reviewed October 2026. Not legal advice.

What the California law decides

California Cottage Food Act answers these points. The state page is the current list. A county health department or a farmers market can add a form, a fee, or a product ban.

Which foods are allowed, and which foods need refrigeration or a pH test
The current sales cap, or whether the state has removed it
Where you can sell: farmers markets, online orders, shipping, and stores
The label, including allergens and any home-kitchen statement
Registration, a food-handler class, or a county permit

Sell it only after the rule checks out

A cottage food page is market research, not a promise of income. Price the product, find a market in California, and sell one batch before you buy equipment.

California farmers markets Price checker Cottage food selling guide Test a business idea