09/21/2025
Thanks for your patience…..after i looked up all the laws to do this because i want to really grow it to its full potential im going to make sure i follow every step. Im not the type to rush anything or do it halfway……allow me some grace
To sell food out of your house in San Diego, you must operate under one of the legal frameworks such as the Cottage Food Operation (CFO) or the newly approved Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) for "micro-kitchens." Both have distinct permits, requirements, and limits.
Key Requirements
1. Permits and Licensing
- Cottage Food Operation (CFO) requires registering with the County of San Diego, completing a food processor training course within 3 months of approval, and submitting product labels for review. There are two classes:
- Class A Permit: For selling directly to consumers (e.g., farmers markets, direct sales from home).
- Class B Permit: Allows indirect sales through stores or restaurants.
- Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO): Requires a business license, a food manager certificate, and passing a food handler test. Owners must register their micro-kitchen with the county 2 (https://www.theselc.org/cottage_food_law_faq) 6 (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/deh/fhd/food/cottagefood.html).
2. Food Safety and Inspections
- MEHKO operators must prepare, cook, and serve food on the same day.
- Initial and annual health inspections are mandatory for MEHKO.
- CFOs must maintain sanitary conditions compliant with California Health and Safety Code and federal regulations.
- Micro-kitchens can cook meat-inclusive meals, use approved kitchen equipment (including some outdoor cooking), with food safety oversight l
- City of San Diego requires a business tax license for home occupations selling food.
- Advertising signs with the home address are not permitted.
- Business activities must not interfere with residential use, parking, or neighborhood safety 3 (https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/dsdib540.pdf).
Summary
To legally sell food from home in San Diego:
- Register as a Cottage Food Operator (Class A or 😎 or under the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation ordinance.
- Obtain all necessary permits including food safety training certificates (food manager and food handler).
- Pass initial and annual health inspections.
- Adhere to annual sales limits ($50k for micro-kitchens, $75k–$150k for cottage food) and operate within allowed sales venues.
- Ensure food is prepared in a sanitary, registered kitchen, with proper labeling and safe practices.
This framework balances food safety, consumer protection, and entrepreneurial opportunities for home cooks in San Diego County 1 (https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-county-officially-approves-home-kitchen-ordinance) 2 (https://www.theselc.org/cottage_food_law_faq) 3 (https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/dsdib540.pdf) 4 (https://ij.org/issues/economic-liberty/homemade-food-seller/california/) 6 (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/deh/fhd/food/cottagefood.html).o
The Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has recently implemented operational changes to our Cottage Food Program. These changes were made to help maintain low registration/permit fees and to further streamline the application review process for potential operators. New applicants a...
