Cottage Food Operations

Effective January 1, 2013,  the Cottage Food Law allows the production of certain low-risk foods in home kitchens to be sold directly and/or indirectly to the public.

Cottage Food Operators (CFOs) may:

Prepare and sell “non-potentially hazardous foods,” which are foods that are unlikely to grow harmful bacteria or other toxic microorganisms at room temperature. The list of foods is maintained by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and it is posted here: Cottage Food Operations (Approved Food List)

How to Apply for a Cottage Food Operation (CFO) Permit 

To apply for a CFO permit, you must complete all 3 steps below.  

Step 1. Complete the CFO Application Online 
Apply through MyEHS — our secure online portal where you can fill our your application, pay fees, and track your application status in one place. 

If you’re unable to apply online with MyEHS, you can download and complete the Cottage Food Operation PDF application at smchealth.org/myehs (see Resources & PDF Applications).

Step 2. Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable fee is required. Visit smchealth.org/ehfees and look for line item #FO900 Food Facility Permit Application Fee. Payments must be made in person at the Environmental Health Services office, by mail, by phone at (650) 372-6200, or online through the MyEHS Portal.

Step 3. Submit Supporting Documents
Email, mail, or drop off the following items to Environmental Health Services: 
– List of CFO products and describe the process. Maximum number of CFO products is 5. Number of CFO products exceeding 5 or review time exceeding the initial 2-hour allotted time is subject to additional fees at the current hourly rate.
– Sample labels for each product (renewals must include actual labels in use)
– Food Handler Certification (if available) 

Email: envhealth@smcgov.org
Mail or In Person:
2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 100
San Mateo, CA 94403 
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Application Reviews
Application reviews may take up to 30 business days from the date of application fee payment. All revision submittals are also subject to the 30 business day review time.

CFO Resources 

CDPH Cottage Food Operations Website
CDPH Approved Food List
CDPH Cottage Food Operator Training Requirement
CDPH Labeling Requirements for Cottage Food Products
CDPH Request To Add a Food to Approved Cottage Food List
Cottage Food Operations FAQs