California Homemade Food Law Frees Would-Be Entrepreneurs To Pursue Their Passion

Since the California Homemade Food Act took effect on January 1, dozens of “cottage food operators” have emerged across the state. The new law is a boon for fledgling entrepreneurs – often people knocked out of the work force by the recession – pursuing their passion for baking and other culinary endeavors. The red tape burden on these home-based food companies is minimal: city permit and business license, attendance at a food safety class, passing a state exam from the county department of environmental health, product labeling, and an annual kitchen inspection. However, the law limits annual gross sales to $35,000 this year, rising to  $50,000 in 2015 and beyond. Thirty-two other states have passed similar laws.