Cottage Food Operations in Mendocino County

A Cottage Food Operation (CFO) may prepare and package certain non-potentially hazardous foods in a private home-kitchen. The approved food products and categories sold under the CFO program are available on the Approved Cottage Food List.

The Approved Cottage Food List is maintained and distributed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). If an item you wish to sell is not on the approved list, you can apply to add the item on the list by submitting a request to CDPH via their How to Add a Food to the Approved Cottage Food List page.

Please note the following:

• Non-potentially hazardous food is food that does not require refrigeration or hot holding to maintain food safety. If your proposed item is not shelf stable it cannot qualify as a CFO item and must be prepared in permitted commercial kitchen.
• CFOs are split into two types: Class A and B. Class A can only sell directly to customers. Class B are able to sell directly or indirectly.
• Class B CFOs require an inspection of the home kitchen before a permit is issued.
• CFOs must apply for  Temporary Food Facility ("food booth") Permit to sell at Community Events, such as a farmer's market. 

If you are interested in applying, please submit the following to our department:

1. Cottage Food Operation Application & Checklist
2. Sample labels for all proposed food items
3. Payment for annual permit fee
4. If your residence is on a private water source, it must be tested for Total Coliforms, E-Coli, Nitrates, and Nitrites. All testing must be done at a State Certified Laboratory and results submitted to our department.
5. Food Handler Certification (within 3 months of becoming registered or permitted)

Useful Links

• Alpha Analytical Laboratories, Inc
• California Department of Public Health - Cottage Food Operations
• Cottage Food Operation - Frequently Asked Questions
• California Retail Food Code - Effective January 2026
• Cottage Food Bill Introductory Letter from Environmental Health
• Food Handler Certification Courses
• The Big 9 Allergens

Submission

Please email all new applications to: enviroh@mendocinocounty.gov.

Payments may continue to be made: in person, by mail, or online using the link found below.

Fee Schedule for Consumer Protection

• Make a Payment or Check a fee

Payments

Environmental Health accepts credit card and debit card payments online.

If you do not have a Facility # and Invoice #, please put your name or the name of your business/event in those boxes so we can match your application to your payment. 

We also accept credit/debit card payments in the office at 860 N Bush Street in Ukiah, OR 752 Franklin Street in Fort Bragg.

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