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Cottage Food Operations: Mcallen vs Pharr

How do cottage food operations rules compare between Mcallen, TX and Pharr, TX?

Mcallen and Pharr have similar restriction levels.

Mcallen, TX

Hidalgo County

Few Restrictions

Mcallen permits certain homemade food products to be sold directly to consumers under cottage food laws. Products must be non-potentially hazardous and properly labeled.

View full Mcallen rules →

Pharr, TX

Hidalgo County

Few Restrictions

Cottage food producers in Hidalgo County follow the Texas Cottage Food Law, not a county ordinance. No permit or inspection is required, and annual gross food income is capped at $50,000 under Texas Health & Safety Code §437.001.

View full Pharr rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactMcallenPharr
AllowedBaked goods, jams, candy-
Revenue CapVaries by state-
LabelingRequired with allergens-
InspectionGenerally not required-
Governing law-TX Cottage Food Law, H&S Ch. 437
County permit-None — county can't require one
Income cap-$50,000/yr gross (§437.001)
Sales channel-Direct to consumers only

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Mcallen FAQ

Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?

Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Mcallen allows certain shelf-stable foods sold directly to consumers with proper labeling.

Do I need a commercial kitchen?

No, cottage food laws allow production in your home kitchen without commercial inspection, within revenue limits.

Pharr FAQ

Does Hidalgo County permit or inspect cottage food?

No. The Texas Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code Chapter 437) exempts cottage food operations from permits and inspections and bars the county from requiring them.

How much can I earn selling cottage foods?

Up to $50,000 in annual gross income from cottage food sales under §437.001. Above that, or selling wholesale, you fall outside the cottage-food exemption.

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