Cottage
CookEat

A Cottage food license allows you to legally make and sell non-perishable homemade foods from your home, such as baked foods, jams, and snacks. With this license, you can turn your passion for cooking into a small business, earning extra income by sharing your culinary creations with your community. At CookEat, we’ll guide you through the process of getting your license and help you connect with customers eager to support local, home-based chefs. Start your journey today and bring your homemade flavors to the table!

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Your Cottage - Starter Kit

For setting up a kitchen suitable for a cottage operation, it's important to equip it adequately to meet health standards and efficiency needs. Here’s a starter kit list for your kitchen setup:

Cooking Appliances: Gas or electric stove, depending on preference and utility availability. Oven: For baking and roasting. Microwave: For quick reheating.
Refrigerator: To store perishable items at safe temperatures. Freezer: For long-term storage of ingredients and prepared meals.
Preparation Surfaces:
- Easy to clean and sanitize work tables i.e: stainless steel work tables.
- Cutting Boards: Consider having multiple boards to avoid cross-contamination between different food types.
Storage Solutions:
- Shelving Units: For dry goods and equipment storage.
- Ingredient Bins with Lids: To store bulk ingredients like flour, sugar, and grains.
Smallwares:
- Knives: A good set of chef's knives, bread knives, and paring knives.
- Pots and Pans: Various sizes for different cooking needs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

Safety Equipment:
- Fire Extinguisher: Appropriate for kitchen fires.
- First-Aid Kit: For handling minor injuries.
Cleaning Supplies:
- Sanitizing Solutions: Approved for food contact surfaces.
- Mops and Buckets: For floor cleaning.
- Dishwashing Equipment: Either a commercial dishwasher or a three-compartment sink setup for manual washing.
Miscellaneous:
- Food Thermometers: For checking food temperatures.
- Labels and Date Markers: For inventory management and rotation.
- Aprons and Gloves: For personal protection.

Setting up your kitchen with this equipment will help ensure that you are prepared to handle food safely and efficiently, meeting both health standards and customer expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Food Licenses

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1. What is a cottage food operation?
A cottage food operation (CFO) is a business where individuals produce and sell certain types of food from their home kitchen. It is meant for small-scale operations that adhere to specific health and safety guidelines.

2. Who needs a cottage food license?

Anyone looking to sell homemade food items that are non-perishable, such as baked goods, jams, and candies, directly to consumers from their home or at certain direct events needs a cottage food license.

3. What are the types of cottage food licenses?
There are two types: Class A permits direct sales to consumers, and Class B permits both direct and indirect sales through local shops, restaurants, or third-party retailers.

4. How do I apply for a cottage food license in California?
You can apply by completing a self-certification checklist for Class A or scheduling an inspection for Class B, then submitting an application to your local county health department along with the required fee.

5. What foods can I sell with a cottage food license?
Cottage food licenses typically cover foods like baked goods (without cream, custard, or meat fillings), candy, dried fruit, popcorn, cereals, dry baking mixes, and similar items.

6. Are there any sales limits for cottage food operations?

Yes, in California, for example, Class A operations have a sales limit of $75,000 per year, and Class B operations have a limit of $150,000.

7. Do I need any training to get a cottage food license?
Yes, you must obtain a food handler card from an ANSI-accredited course to ensure you understand basic food safety practices.

8. How much does it cost to get a cottage food license?
Fees vary by county but are generally between $100 and $350, depending on whether you are applying for a Class A or Class B license.

9. Can I sell my products online?
Direct online sales are possible within your state under a cottage food license, but the products must be handed to customers directly, such as through in-person delivery or pickup.

10. What are the labeling requirements for cottage food products?
Labels must include the name of the product, the ingredients, allergen information, the name and address of the cottage food operation, and a declaration that it was made in a home kitchen.

11. Is there a renewal process for the cottage food license?
Yes, cottage food licenses typically need to be renewed annually, which may involve paying a renewal fee and undergoing an inspection, especially for Class B licenses.

Resources

Food Handler Certification Details (Needed for Cottage A & B):

Name of the Certification:
- The certification is commonly referred to as a "Food Handler Certification" certification.
Course Duration:
- The course typically lasts about 1- 2 hours of instruction and covers basic food safety principles.
Course Delivery:
- Many providers offer the course online, which can be taken via platforms like Zoom. In-person options are also available throughout California.
Examination:
- After completing the course, a proctored exam is required to earn the certification. Some online courses offer live online proctoring, while others may require you to visit a testing center.
Recertification:
- The certification is valid for 5 years. Recertification involves taking the course and passing the exam again.