As of January 1, 2019, AB 626, known as the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations Act, became law. The law authorizes local governing agencies to implement a program for the permitting of home kitchens for retail use. It is important to note the County of Orange has not authorized the permitting of home kitchens for retail food operations at this time. As such, anyone who operates a retail home kitchen from their residence in Orange County is in violation of California Retail Food Code. Violators are subject to closure and further enforcement actions.
The County of Orange, Health Care Agency, Environmental Health Division is the lead agency for retail food operations and is working with the local governing bodies of the County and Citites on the implementation of AB 626. Please check back frequently as details on implementation as established.
Full details on AB 626 can be found here.