Arlington vs Haltom City
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Arlington, TX and Haltom City, TX?
Arlington and Haltom City 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 →Haltom City, TX
Tarrant County
Texas Cottage Food Law (TX H&S Code 437) lets Haltom City residents sell many non-hazardous foods from home with up to 50,000 dollars in annual sales. Cities cannot ban cottage food operations.
View full Haltom City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Haltom City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Fact | - | Allowed under TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 |
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.
Haltom City FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my Haltom City home?
Yes. Under the Texas Cottage Food Law, non-potentially hazardous baked goods are allowed with a food handler card, proper labeling, and up to 50,000 dollars in annual sales.
Do I need a Haltom City permit for cottage food?
No city permit is required because state law preempts local bans. You must still follow general home occupation rules on traffic, signage, and outdoor storage.
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