California Cottage Food Labeling Requirements

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California Cottage Food Labeling Requirements

California Cottage Food Labeling Requirements

Cottage Food Production Operations must label all of their food products properly, which include the following information on the label of each unit of food product offered or distributed for sale.

Labels on cottage food products must contain the following information. See sample label at right. For more information about other cottage food requirements in California, click here.

1. The words "Made (or Repackaged) in a Home Kitchen" must appear on the principal display panel in 12-point type.
2. The registration or permit number of the "Class A" or "Class B" CFO and the name of the local enforcement agency that issued the permit number
3. Product name: The common or descriptive name of the cottage food product located on the principal display panel.
4. The name, city, and zip code of the CFO. Note: If the CFO is not listed in a current telephone directory, then a physical address must also be included on the label.
5. Ingredients: If the cottage food product contains two or more ingredients, list the ingredients of the product, in descending order by predominance of weight.
6. The net quantity (count, weight, or volume) of the food product, stated in both English (pound) units and metric units (grams).
7. Allergen information: If the food product contains any of the major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans), it must be stated on the label in plain language. There are two approved methods prescribed by federal law for declaring the food sources of allergens in packaged foods: 1) Have a separate summary statement immediately following or adjacent to the ingredient list; or 2) Have the allergen listed within the ingredient list.
8. Sulfites: Keep in mind that anaphylactic shock can occur in certain sulfite-sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. If such an amount of sulfites are added (most commonly for dried fruits), they must be declared with the statement: Contains added sulfites.
9. Nutrient content claims involve the use of any of the following eleven terms: free, low, reduced, fewer, high, less, more, lean, extra lean, good source, and light. If such claims are made, they must comply with the Food and Drug Administration's conditions for the use of these terms. (For details, refer to 21 CFR Sections 101.13 and 101.54 et seq.) For example: the term "sodium free" means that the food contains less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving.
10. Healthj claims:  A health claim is a statement or message on the label that describes the relationship between a food component and a disease or health-related condition (e.g., sodium and hypertension, calcium and osteoporosis). If a health claim is made, it must conform to the federal requirements established in 21 CFR 101.14 and 101.70 et seq.
11.  Nutrition Facts panels are generally not required for Cottage Foods producers. If the food label makes any nutrient content or health claims, then nutrition information must be declared in a "Nutrition Facts" statement, as specified by the Food and Drug Administration: Nutrition Facts Label Programs & Materials.
12. Language:  Labels must be legible and in English. It is optional to have accurately translated information in another language, such as Spanish, but you still must have it in English.

Free Label  Resources

  Here is a free Microsoft Word label template which you can download and edit.  These labels are already formatted to fit on Avery Template 22820  Print-to-the-Edge Oval, Labels 2" x 3-1/3", 8 per Sheet, Glossy White. You can get the label stock online (see at right).

• Must label foods that meet the state and federal standards
• Label Requirements
• Local Requirements
• Cottage Food Labeling Requirements (PDF)

More resources:

• Date of the enactment of the California cottage food law: September 21, 2012
• Assembly Bill (AB) 1616 Chapter 415, Statutes of 2012, was signed into law by Governor Brown on September 21, 2012; effective January 1, 2013. The bill allows individuals to prepare and/or package certain non-potentially hazardous foods in private-home kitchens referred to as "cottage food operations" (CFOs).
• PowerPoint of California Cottage Food Law
• Register or get permitted by local Environmental Health agency
• Operating Your Cottage Foods Business - guidance and resources for starting and operating your cottage food operation.
• Types of Cottage Foods - Information and handbooks for Cottage Food Production
• Cottage Food Operations (PDF)
• Cottage Food Approved Food List (PDF)
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Registration and Permit Requirements (PDF)
• California Homemade Food Act
• Statutory Provisions Related to Sanitation (PDF)
• Cottage Food Operator Training (PDF)

Los Angeles County and Other counties have good resources:

• Cottage Food Operations Guide
• Does your business qualify as a Cottage Food Operation?
• Frequently Asked Questions about the California Homemade Food Act in [ English | Espanol ]
• Complete text for AB 1616: the California Homemade Food Act
• Labeling Requirements for Cottage Food Products
• Food Labels - Information for California Food Processors
• Cottage Food Operation Official Inspection Report
• Cottage Food Operator Training
• Los Angeles County Cottage Food Operators [ Class A | Class B ]

 

 

Questions? Contact Information:

PO Box 997377
MS 0500
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377

For General Public Information:
(916) 558-1784