Class A Cottage Food Operators
A "Class A" CFO can only sell cottage foods directly to the consumer and is required to register with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and submit a "self-certification compliance checklist". Direct sales can be made:
- From your home
- At holiday bazaars or temporary events, bake sales or food swaps *
- At farm stands and Certified Farmers' Markets *
- Through community-supported agriculture subscription *
*Direct sales may require additional permits.
Business Information and Documents
How much does it cost to become a CFO Class A in Los Angeles County?
Effective August 8, 2013, new fees for Cottage Food Operator Registrations and Permits were implemented, as approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on July 9, 2013. All Cottage Food Operator Class A applications received beginning 8-9-2013 must include the new fees indicated below.
Class A Registration: $118.00
Resources
Below information provides details on the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616) and Cottage Foods:
- Cottage Food Operations Guide
- Does your business qualify as a Cottage Food Operation?
- Frequently Asked Questions about the California Homemade Food Act [ English | Español ]
- Complete text for AB 1616: the California Homemade Food Act
- Labeling Requirements for Cottage Food Products
- Food Labels - Information for California Food Processors
- Cottage Food Operation Official Inspection Report
- Cottage Food Operator Training
- List of Approved Class A Cottage Food Operators.
- Cottage Food Operation Class A Permit Process Roadmap
- Cottage Food Operation Class A Checklist
- Cottage Food Operation Class A & B - How to Get Started
To obtain information regarding the approved cottage foods, labeling requirements, and food processor course, please visit California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website Cottage Food Operations page.
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Report a Problem
If you encounter a problem with a home-based cottage food business, or to report any public health issues, call the Environmental Health Division of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Customer Call Center at (888) 700-9995. Telephone agents are available on Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, or File a Complaint Online.
Public Health will not ask you about your immigration status and you can file a report without giving your name.
For help with other employment issues, such as fair wages, breaks, and more, contact the California Labor Commissioner at 320 W. 4th Street, Suite 450, Los Angeles 90013 or call (213) 620-6330. You will not be asked about your immigration status and interpreters are available to help you.