Arizona Cottage Food Laws: Complete Guide for Home Bakers
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Name | Cottage Food Products (Arizona) |
| Statute Reference | A.R.S. § 36‑931 et seq., amended § 36‑136 |
| Last Update | March 29, 2024 |
| Annual Sales Limit | None (no dollar cap specified) |
| Licensing | Registration required, renew every three years |
| Inspections | Not required for home kitchens |
| Labeling | Required with specific elements |
| Training | Required (accredited food handler program) |
Welcome to this guide on Arizona's Cottage Food Laws! If you're dreaming of starting a food business from your home kitchen, you're in the right place. Here's everything you need to know to get started safely and legally.
Recent Changes & Pending Legislation
As of March 29, 2024, there have been important updates to Arizona's cottage food laws. These include adjustments to the types of foods you can sell and updated requirements for registration and labeling.
What You Can Sell
In Arizona, you're allowed to sell:
- Non-potentially hazardous foods: Items prepared in home kitchens.
- Certain potentially hazardous foods: Only as allowed by federal law.
- Poultry and poultry products: Under the federal 1,000-bird exemption or from inspected sources.
- Meat and meat products: When sourced from inspected suppliers.
What You Cannot Sell
You cannot sell:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Unpasteurized milk
- Fish and shellfish products
- Uninspected meat or poultry
- Marijuana or marijuana by-products
Sales Limits
Arizona's cottage food laws do not impose a specific dollar cap on your sales.
Where You Can Sell
Sales are permitted at:
- Farmers markets
- Roadside stands
- Online platforms
- Retail stores
- Events
Licensing & Registration
You'll need to:
- Register with the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS)
- Renew your registration every three years
- Display your registration certificate when operating at temporary food establishments
Fees
While registration is required, the cost is not specified.
Kitchen Inspections
- Home kitchens are exempt from public health inspection.
- However, the DHS may enforce rules and investigate incidents of foodborne illness.
Labeling Requirements
Your product labels must include:
- Name of the preparer
- Registration number
- Ingredients list
- Production date
- Disclaimer: Home kitchen may contain allergens and is not subject to regular inspection
- Disclosure: If made in a facility for individuals with developmental disabilities
- Website address provided by DHS
Sample Label
Jane's Jams
Registration #: 12345
Ingredients: Strawberries, sugar, pectin
Produced on: 04/01/2024
This product is made in a home kitchen not subject to regular inspection.
For more info: www.azdhs.gov
Training & Certification
- Completion of an accredited food handler training program is required.
- Ensure either you or a supervisor maintains active certification.
Official Resources
FAQ
1. Can I ship my products out of state?
No, shipping out of state is not allowed.
2. How often do I need to renew my registration?
You need to renew every three years.
3. Do I need a professional kitchen?
No, you can prepare your products in your home kitchen.
4. Can my products contain marijuana?
No, using marijuana or marijuana by-products is prohibited.
5. Can I sell products with dairy or meat?
Yes, but only when these come from inspected sources and are delivered in person.
Last Updated: September 2023
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more detailed information, please refer to official state resources.