Cottage Food Operations: Mesa vs Surprise
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Mesa and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona's cottage food law allows Mesa residents to produce and sell certain homemade foods without a health department permit. Operators must register with the state and complete food handler training under ARS 36-1692.
View full Mesa rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona's cottage food law (ARS 36-1561) allows Surprise residents to sell homemade food products from their homes without a food handler's permit. Annual sales are capped at $75,000. Allowed products include baked goods, candies, jams, and other shelf-stable items.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Required with state | - |
| Food Handler Training | Required before selling | - |
| Home Inspections | Not required | - |
| Sales Cap | None in Arizona | $75,000 annually |
| License Required | - | No food handler's permit needed |
| Labeling | - | Name, address, allergens, home kitchen notice |
| State Law | - | ARS 36-1561 |
| TPT License | - | Required for tax purposes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can I sell homemade food in Mesa?
Yes, under Arizona's cottage food law you can sell non-hazardous homemade foods after registering with the state and completing food handler training. No health department permit is needed.
What foods can I sell under Arizona's cottage food law?
Shelf-stable items like baked goods, candies, jams, and dried foods are allowed. Foods requiring temperature control for safety (TCS) are not permitted under cottage food rules.
Surprise FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my Surprise home?
Yes. Arizona's cottage food law allows sales of baked goods and other shelf-stable foods from your home kitchen without a food permit, up to $75,000 annually.
What foods can I sell under Arizona's cottage food law?
Baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, granola, dry mixes, popcorn, and other non-perishable items that do not require refrigeration.
Do I need any licenses?
No food handler's permit is needed, but you do need a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from Arizona DOR for tax collection.
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