Arlington vs Mansfield
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Arlington, TX and Mansfield, TX?
Arlington and Mansfield 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 →Mansfield, TX
Tarrant County
Mansfield follows the Texas Cottage Food Law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, which preempts local rules. Home bakers may sell non-TCS foods directly to consumers without a local permit.
View full Mansfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Mansfield |
|---|---|---|
| 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&S Code Chapter 437 |
| Local Preemption | - | Yes |
| Revenue Cap | - | 50000 dollars per year |
| Food Handler Certificate | - | Required |
| Direct Sales Only | - | No wholesale to stores |
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.
Mansfield FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my Mansfield home?
Yes. Texas Cottage Food Law permits home bakers to sell non-refrigerated baked goods directly to consumers at home, farmers markets, festivals, and online with delivery. Mansfield cannot impose additional restrictions beyond state law.
Do I need a permit for cottage food in Mansfield?
No local permit is required. You need a food handler certificate from an accredited program and must comply with state labeling requirements. Mansfield is preempted from adding additional licensing requirements.
Can I sell cottage food to a Mansfield restaurant?
No. Cottage food under Texas law is limited to direct consumer sales. Wholesale to restaurants, grocery stores, or other retailers is prohibited. To wholesale, you must operate from a commercial licensed kitchen.
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