[1] Introduced as bill AB1616, the California Homemade Food Act was signed by Governor Jerry Brown and became law effective January 1, 2013.
[4][5] The California Department of Public Health has compiled a list of "low-risk" foods, which are approved for a CFO to produce, prepare, package, and peddle to customers out of their "private home".
The California Homemade Food Act also relaxes many zoning restrictions for CFOs, since traditional bakeries would not be allowed to operate out of a residential area.
Nevertheless, Cottage Food Operations will still have to apply for a permit from the County Department of Health and follow numerous other regulations set under the law.
Mark Stambler's[8] homemade bread business was deemed in violation of food safety laws by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and forced to shut down.