Cottage Food Operations: Mesa vs Tempe
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa and Tempe 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 →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona's Homemade Food Act (ARS 36-1161) allows Tempe residents to sell homemade food products directly to consumers without a food establishment permit. The annual sales cap is $75,000. Products must be non-potentially-hazardous and properly labeled. No city food permit is required. This law is especially popular in Tempe's diverse community near ASU.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Required with state | - |
| Food Handler Training | Required before selling | - |
| Home Inspections | Not required | - |
| Sales Cap | None in Arizona | $75,000 per year |
| State Law | - | ARS 36-1161 (Arizona Homemade Food Act) |
| Food Permit | - | Not required for cottage food |
| Labeling | - | Name, address, ingredients, allergens, home kitchen disclosure |
| Sales Method | - | Direct to consumer only |
| Tax | - | Arizona TPT requirements apply |
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.
Tempe FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my Tempe home?
Yes. Under Arizona's Homemade Food Act, you can sell non-potentially-hazardous homemade food up to $75,000/year without a food permit. Proper labeling is required.
Can I sell at Tempe farmers markets?
Yes. Cottage food products can be sold directly to consumers at farmers markets, with proper labeling. Individual market rules may apply.
Do I need a Tempe business license?
A general business license may be required depending on your operation's scale. Contact Tempe's licensing department for guidance.
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