AB 1616 Summary

• Establishes "cottage food operations" allowing individuals to prepare non-potentially hazardous foods in their home kitchens for sale, with gross annual sales limits of $35,000 in 2013, $45,000 in 2014, and $50,000 thereafter.

• Creates two classes of cottage food operations: Class A for direct sales only (registered with self-certification checklist, no routine inspections), and Class B for direct and indirect sales (requires permit and annual inspection).

• Requires cottage food products to be labeled "Made in a Home Kitchen" in 12-point type, include the operator's name and registration/permit number, and comply with federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act labeling requirements.

• Mandates cottage food operators complete a food processor safety course within three months and comply with sanitation, water quality, and food handling requirements including prohibitions on concurrent domestic activities and presence of children or pets during food preparation.

• Exempts cottage food operations from food processing facility registration requirements and prohibits them from being open to inspection except upon consumer complaint or when serving food without packaging in retail facilities, which must identify the product as homemade.