What is Arizona's new cottage food law?

AZ cottage food law updates

Arizona Cottage Food Law

Did you know Arizona boasts one of the most flexible and successful cottage food laws in the United States? It’s great because it makes it easy for passionate foodies to start home-based food businesses.

In March 2024 Governor Katie Hobbs signed an expansion of Arizona’s cottage food law into effect, and we break down the changes and what they mean for what you can and can’t sell out of your home.

Under Arizona’s Cottage Food Law, almost any type of food can be produced and sold, including items containing meat, which is uncommon in most states. With nearly 10,000 registered cottage food businesses as of 2024, Arizona’s program allows residents to sell homemade foods easily by completing a basic food safety course and online registration.

Keep reading to learn what kinds of food can and can’t be sold, where you can sell, how to start a food business, and how to label cottage foods.

What Foods Can Be Sold?

The Arizona Cottage Food Law allows a vast range of foods, including:

  • Baked Goods: Cakes, cookies, muffins, pastries, bread, and more

  • Candy: Fudge, truffles, chocolate, cotton candy

  • Condiments: Nut butters, salsas, syrups, sauces, vinegars

  • Dry Goods: Coffee beans, dried fruits and veggies, pasta, spices, and tea

  • Pastries and Preserves: Empanadas, tamales, jams, jellies, marmalades

  • Snacks: Granola, popcorn, vegetable chips, chocolate-covered fruit

  • Other Approved Foods: Carbonated drinks, fermented foods, frozen produce, meat jerkies

Prohibited Items

Some foods cannot be sold under this law. You cannot sell products containing:

  • Raw Milk

  • Alcohol-Infused Products

  • Fish or Shellfish Products

  • Unapproved Meat Sources: Only USDA-approved or home-produced poultry (if you have under 1,000 birds) can be used

  • Marijuana Products

Selling Homemade Food in Arizona

Where Can You Sell?
Arizona’s cottage food producers can sell their products in various venues, including:

  • In-Person Sales: Home, roadside stands, and farmers markets

  • Retail: In stores and at events, with homemade products displayed separately from commercial goods

  • Online Sales: Directly from your website or through third-party platforms

Direct-to-Consumer Sales for Dairy and Meat Products
For products that contain dairy or meat, certain restrictions apply:

  • Direct Sales Only: Dairy items (e.g., milk, cheese, butter) and meat products can only be sold directly to consumers, with delivery done in-person.

  • No Third-Party Delivery: Dairy and meat products cannot be sold via third-party platforms like DoorDash or UberEats.

  • Temperature-Sensitive Handling: Perishable food items must be transported under safe conditions, with transport limited to a single trip not exceeding two hours.

Requirements to Start a Cottage Food Business

Starting a cottage food business in Arizona is straightforward. Here’s what you need:

  1. Food Safety Training: Complete an ANSI-accredited food safety course (available online for around $10).

  2. Registration: Register with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and renew every three years.

Products that can be sold under AZ’s cottage food law

Labeling Cottage Food Products

Labeling is essential for Arizona cottage food businesses. Each product label must include:

  • Business name and permit number

  • Product name, date of production, and full ingredient list

  • A statement: "This product was produced in a home kitchen that may come in contact with common food allergens and pet allergens and is not subject to public health inspection."

  • Contact information for ADHS, plus an additional disclaimer if applicable

For online sales, listing descriptions should include all label details in a clear and visible format.

Work and Storage Restrictions

Arizona’s cottage food law requires that all preparation and storage take place within the producer’s primary residence. Outdoor storage is not allowed, and the workspace must meet hygiene and safety standards.

Arizona's Cottage Food Law continues to empower home-based food businesses by allowing them to operate with minimal barriers and maximum reach. For more information and to get started, visit the ADHS Cottage Food Program.

Ready to Grow Your Food Business?

Local First Arizona’s Good Food Boot Camp can teach you the basics of running a successful food business. Outgrown your kitchen? The Community Kitchen Program can support you in taking things to the next level.

Alyssa Crijns