Starting a small food business in Arizona can be an exciting and rewarding venture, especially with the state’s favorable laws for home-based food operations. If you’re looking to sell homemade goods or farm-fresh produce, Arizona offers a streamlined path to legally operate without going through extensive red tape. Here’s a guide on how to navigate the laws and open your small food business in Arizona.
1. Understand What Types of Food Businesses Don’t Require Permits
The beauty of Arizona’s Cottage Food Laws is that many small food operations do not require a permit. If you are selling non-hazardous, shelf-stable products like baked goods, candies, or jams, you do not need a commercial kitchen or a food handler’s permit. Additionally, farmers selling raw, unprocessed fruits and vegetables from their land do not need a permit as long as the food is sold directly to the consumer.
However, if you plan to sell food that doesn’t fit within the Cottage Food categories (such as meat, dairy, or items requiring refrigeration), you will need to use a permitted commercial kitchen and obtain the necessary permits.
The law makes it easier to start a food business without renting a commercial kitchen, but there are still specific rules you must follow, such as labeling requirements and product restrictions.
2. Registering Your Business
While you don’t need a permit for most Cottage Food Operations, you are still required to register with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Registration involves filling out an online form detailing the types of foods you plan to sell. There is no fee for registration, but it’s important to ensure that your products comply with the Cottage Food Laws.
For more information, you can visit the ADHS Cottage Food Program website.
3. Labeling Requirements
To comply with Arizona’s laws, you must label your homemade products correctly. Labels must include:
- Name and address of the cottage food producer
- Common name of the product
- Ingredients in descending order of weight
- Allergen information (for major allergens such as milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, etc.)
- The statement: “This product was produced in a home kitchen that may process common food allergens and is not subject to public health inspection.”
Failing to label your products properly could result in penalties or being prohibited from selling.
4. Food Safety and Certification
Even though Arizona’s Cottage Food Law allows home-based food businesses, maintaining proper food safety is still essential. While a food handler’s permit isn’t required for Cottage Food Operations, taking a food safety certification course is recommended to ensure you understand proper sanitation, cross-contamination prevention, and storage practices.
If you decide to expand your business and begin preparing riskier foods (such as meat or dairy), you will need to rent a commercial kitchen and apply for a food handler’s permit through your local health department. This will include passing inspections and maintaining compliance with Arizona’s food safety regulations.
*Disclaimer: This article or any content hereof is not a substitute for professional legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice.