Arizona Cottage Food License: Food Safety Training Requirements
Planning to sell homemade food in Arizona? You must follow the state’s cottage food law, which includes completing a food handler training course. This FAQ guide explains who needs training, which foods you can sell, labeling requirements, and how AAA Food Handler can help you get certified online.
Cottage food businesses are growing in popularity as more people seek locally made foods and transparency about their sources. Each state regulates cottage foods differently, and obtaining a cottage food license ensures your business meets all food safety training.
What Foods Can I Sell Under Arizona’s Cottage Food License?
Arizona’s cottage food program allows you to prepare and sell most homemade foods directly to customers within the state, either in person or online.
Before we list specific examples, it’s important to note that Arizona differentiates between non-perishable foods and certain perishable foods, known as TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) items. TCS foods require special attention to storage and handling to remain safe for consumption.
Approved Cottage Foods
You may sell:
- Baked goods: breads, cookies, cakes, pies
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dry goods: granola, spices, mixes
- Candy and chocolates
- Pickled or acidified foods (e.g., salsa)
- Freeze-dried foods
Arizona also allows some TCS foods such as desserts, cut fruits or vegetables, and items containing meat or poultry, provided proper food safety measures are followed.
Foods Not Allowed to Sell
While Arizona is flexible with many homemade foods, certain items are prohibited to ensure consumer safety.
These include:
- Alcoholic products intended for intoxication
- Raw milk or raw milk products
- Fish and shellfish
- Cannabis-infused products
- Pet foods or dog treats (regulated separately by the Arizona Department of Agriculture)
It’s important to remember that Arizona does not inspect home kitchens for cottage food businesses, so you are responsible for ensuring safe production practices.
Do I Need Food Safety Training to Sell in Arizona?
Yes. Before registering your cottage food business in Arizona, you must complete a food handler training course recognized by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). This ensures that all cottage food producers understand proper safe handling practices and minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Food Safety Training: Duration, Assessment, and Certification
Food safety training courses in Arizona generally take around 90 minutes to complete, though some in-person or specialized programs may vary slightly in length. The assessment is a multiple-choice test with a free retake option. Once you successfully complete the test, you will earn a food handler certificate, which is typically valid for three years. After this period, you must renew your certification by retaking the training to remain compliant with the state’s Cottage Food Program.
Completion of this course is mandatory for registration with Arizona’s cottage food program, and the certificate must remain current while your business is active.
What are the Labeling Requirements?
Each product must clearly display the following information:
- Your full name and the name of your business
- The registration number provided after your application is approved by the state
- A complete list of ingredients (recommended order: from most to least predominant)
- The date the product was produced
- A statement such as: “This product was prepared in a home kitchen that may handle common food allergens and pet allergens. It is not inspected by public health authorities.”
- Reference to the Arizona Department of Health Services: www.azdhs.gov/cottagefood
- For products prepared in a facility operated by individuals with developmental disabilities, the label should also mention that.
Accurate labeling helps ensure your cottage food products can be sold at retail locations or through third-party vendors, though foods requiring time and temperature control (TCS) remain subject to additional rules.
Why Choose AAA Food Handler?
AAA Food Handler offers an ANAB-accredited online food handler program that is fast, convenient, and fully recognized across Arizona. Our course covers essential food safety principles, helping you stay compliant while protecting your customers.
With AAA Food Handler, you’ll receive a certificate and card valid for three years, which allows you to register your cottage food business confidently.
