Arlington vs Grapevine
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Arlington, TX and Grapevine, TX?
Arlington and Grapevine have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington follows the Texas Cottage Food Law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, which allows individuals to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen without a food-establishment license. Annual gross sales are limited, required labeling must be used, and the foods must be sold directly to consumers. A food-handler certificate is required.
View full Arlington rules →Grapevine, TX
Tarrant County
Texas Cottage Food Law (Health and Safety Code 437) lets residents sell home-baked and non-hazardous foods. Grapevine cannot prohibit operations but may enforce zoning on traffic and signage.
View full Grapevine rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Grapevine |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | TX H&S Code §437 | - |
| Annual Sales Cap | $50,000 gross | - |
| Food Handler Course | Required | - |
| Labeling | Required by statute | - |
| City Permit | Not required beyond home occupation | - |
| State Law | - | TX H and S Code 437 |
| Sales Cap | - | $50,000 per year |
| Training | - | Food handler required |
| Wholesale | - | Not allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my Arlington home?
Yes. Baked goods that do not require refrigeration, such as cookies, breads, and most cakes, are permitted cottage foods under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437. You must complete a food-handler course, label each package with the required information, and stay under the annual sales cap.
Do I need a Tarrant County health permit for a cottage food business?
No. The Texas Cottage Food Law exempts qualifying home-based food producers from local health department permits and inspections, as long as they sell only approved non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers and follow the labeling rules.
Can I ship cottage food from my Arlington home to customers?
Yes. Texas law allows cottage food operators to sell by phone or internet and deliver or ship products by mail to consumers within Texas. Shipping across state lines is not covered by the Texas exemption and would require compliance with federal and destination-state rules.
Grapevine FAQ
Can I sell home-baked cookies from my Grapevine home?
Yes under the Texas Cottage Food Law, with proper labeling and a food handler course.
Can I sell cottage foods to restaurants?
No. State law limits cottage food operators to direct-to-consumer sales.
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