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
Arizona allows certain cottage food products under its Cottage Food Program, but not every type of food qualifies. The current Arizona rules specifically restrict products containing alcoholic beverages, unpasteurized milk products, fish, shellfish products, meat, meat by-products, poultry, and poultry by-products, except where an applicable statutory exception applies. Always check the current Arizona Department of Health Services approved-food and Cottage Food guidance before selling a specific product.
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.
Arizona Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
Arizona requires cottage food products to have a label containing specific information, including:
- The product’s production date
- The name and registration number of the food preparer
- A complete list of all ingredients used in the product, including ingredients in its components
- The 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.”
- A statement about preparation by individuals with developmental disabilities when applicable
- The Arizona Department of Health Services website: www.azdhs.gov/CottageFood
Check the current Arizona Department of Health Services labeling guidance before printing labels because state requirements can change.
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.
