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Food and Drug Branch (FDB)

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Main Telephone:

(800) 495-3232

 

Email:

FDBinfo@cdph.ca.gov

 

Address (Courier Delivery):

California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

1500 Capitol Ave, MS 7602

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Address (Non-Courier Delivery):

California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

P.O. Box 997435, MS 7602

Sacramento, CA 95899

Cottage Food Operations

Assembly Bill (AB) 1616 authored by Assemblyman Gatto, Chapter 415, Statutes of 2012, was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 21, 2012; effective January 1, 2013.  The bill allows individuals to prepare and/or package certain non-potentially hazardous foods in private-home kitchens referred to as ā€œcottage food operationsā€ (CFOs).  

All CFOs have to meet specified requirements pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code related to:

  • Preparing foods that are on the approved food list
  • Completing a food processor training course within three months of registering
  • Implementing sanitary operations
  • Establishing state and federal compliant labels
  • Operating within established gross annual sales limits

Learn more about the State's requirements for cottage foods from the links provided below.

 Cottage Food Application

How to Add a Food Product to the Cottage Food Approved Food List (PDF)

Request to Add a Food Product to the Cottage Food Approved Food List  (PDF)

 Guidelines

Cottage Food Operations (PDF)

Cottage Food Approved Food List (PDF)

Registration and Permit Requirements (PDF)

**CDPH is in the process of reviewing and updating the Cottage Food Operator -Frequently Asked Questions document.  We will post the updated document as soon as possible.  In the meantime, you may submit questions to our Retail Program Specialist at Jeanne-Marie.Weathers@cdph.ca.gov or FDBInfo@cdph.ca.gov.  We appreciate your patience.**

 

Notice of Proposed Change

Notice of Proposed Change to the Approved Cottage Food List (PDF)

**CDPH is in the process of reviewing and updating the Cottage Food Operator -Frequently Asked Questions document.  We will post the updated document as soon as possible.  In the meantime, you may submit questions to our Retail Program Specialist at Jeanne-Marie.Weathers@cdph.ca.gov or FDBInfo@cdph.ca.gov.  We appreciate your patience.**

 Labeling

Cottage Food Labeling Requirements (PDF)

General Food Labeling Requirements (PDF)

 Legislation

California Homemade Food Act

Statutory Provisions Related to Sanitation (PDF)

 Training

Cottage Food Operator Training (PDF)

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