Credit: Keelworks Legal Research
https://keelworks.org
Arizona Cottage Food Laws – Overview
Arizona Cottage Food Laws allow individuals to prepare and sell non-potentially hazardous (non-
TCS) foods from a home kitchen for commercial purposes. The state provides a streamlined registration
process, making it easy for entrepreneurs to start a cottage food business.

Foods That Are Allowed
Approved foods are shelf-stable and do not require time or temperature control. Examples include:
Baked Goods
 Breads, sweet breads, bagels, biscuits, rolls
 Cakes, brownies, cookies, muffins
 Doughnuts, scones, pastries, tarts
 Fruit pies (no custard or cream fillings)
Snacks & Dry Foods
 Crackers, pretzels, tortillas
 Popcorn, kettle corn, caramel corn
 Granola
 Dry pasta
 Baking, spice, and seasoning mixes
Confections
 Candies, brittles, toffee, fudge
 Chocolate-covered fruits and items
 Truffles
Other Products
 Honey
 Roasted nuts
 Roasted coffee beans
 Waffle cones
Frostings are allowed only if made with approved non-hazardous ingredients.

If Your Cottage Food Item Is Not Listed
 Refer to Arizona’s expanded approved food list
 If uncertainty remains, do not produce the item
 pH and water activity testing may be required to confirm eligibility
 Testing services are available through the University of Arizona Food Product & Safety Lab

Prohibited Foods
The following foods are not allowed due to food safety risks:
 Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish
 Milk, dairy products, and eggs (as standalone products)
 Custards, cream pies, cheesecakes, puddings
 Cooked rice, beans, vegetables
 Fresh cut produce (melons, tomatoes, leafy greens)
 Garlic-in-oil mixtures
 Alcohol-containing products
 Marijuana-infused products
 Tofu and soy protein foods
 Pet food and dog treats
Eggs and dairy are permitted only when used as ingredients in approved baked goods.

Acidity Levels and Food Safety
 Food safety is primarily determined by pH level
 Foods with pH ≤ 4.6 are considered acidic and safer for shelf storage
 Bacteria do not grow well at this acidity level
 Low-acid foods (> 4.6 pH) may not be home-canned or sold under cottage food laws

Testing Requirements
 Testing may be required when food safety status is unclear
 pH testing can be conducted using approved food-grade pH meters
 Professional lab testing is recommended for confirmation

How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Arizona

1. Complete an accredited food handler training course
2. Register online under the Arizona Cottage Food Program
3. Check with county health department (if applicable)
4. Verify city or county business license requirements

Labeling Requirements
All cottage food products must be properly labeled and include:
 Product name
 Production date
 Name and registration number of the producer
 Complete ingredient list
 Required disclaimer statement
 Arizona Department of Health Services website reference
Required Disclaimer:
“This product was produced in a home kitchen that may process common food allergens and pet allergens
and is not subject to public health inspection.”

Allergen Labeling
Best practice is to declare any of the 9 major FDA allergens:
Milk, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soy, Sesame
Cross-contact warnings are encouraged even if allergens are not used directly.

Where Cottage Food Products Can Be Sold
 Direct-to-consumer sales allowed
 Wholesale and retail sales permitted
 Products may be sold statewide in Arizona
 Online advertising and sales are allowed

Food Handler Training & Best Practices
 Food handler certification is mandatory
 Training focuses on hygiene, contamination prevention, and safe food handling

Clean Work Area & Sanitization
Producers must maintain a safe food preparation environment by:
 Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and surfaces
 Preventing cross-contamination
 Excluding pets and sick individuals
 Ensuring proper hand hygiene
 Maintaining pest control and cleanliness

Record Keeping (Strongly Recommended)
Maintain records of:
 Recipes and ingredients
 Production methods
 Dates of production and sale
 Sales locations and receipts
Records help demonstrate compliance and address potential complaints.

Cottage Food Liability Insurance
 Not legally required but strongly recommended
 Protects against lawsuits and consumer claims
 Options include liability insurance or bonding
 Provides financial and legal protection for the business
Link: https://cottagefoodlaws.com/arizona-cottage-food-laws/

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