Is it legal to sell food from home without a health certificate in San Francisco, USA?

In San Francisco, the legality of selling food from home without a health certificate depends on several factors including the type of food being sold and the scale of the operation. Under California’s Homemade Food Act, also known as the Cottage Food Law, individuals are allowed to prepare and sell certain types of low-risk foods from their homes, such as baked goods, jams, and dried teas. However, sellers must obtain a cottage food permit from the local health department, which involves a health inspection and adherence to specific sanitary and labeling requirements. For more complex or higher-risk foods, a more comprehensive health certification might be necessary, and selling these without proper licensing can be illegal.

Trivia: San Francisco is known for its diverse culinary scene, including a variety of food trucks and pop-up kitchens. The city’s progressive approach to food regulations has helped foster a vibrant community of small-scale food entrepreneurs.