Selling homemade food at Arizona farmers markets
Arizona's cottage food program lets you sell food made in your home kitchen. Here's how to register, what goes on the label, and what you can't sell.
Updated
Before you sell
- Take a food handler course. You'll need a certificate from an ANSI-accredited food handler training course, and you keep it current (it has an expiration date).
- Register with ADHS. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) runs the Cottage Food Program. You apply online and upload your food handler certificate. ADHS says processing takes 4–6 weeks, so start early.
- Renew every three years. Your registration doesn't last forever.
What you can't sell
- Most foods are allowed, but not these: fish, shellfish, raw milk, alcoholic drinks or anything made with marijuana.
- Meat and foods that must stay cold or hot have extra rules. Arizona widened its rules in 2024, but these foods have to be handed to the buyer in person, kept at a safe temperature, and go out on one trip of two hours or less. Check ADHS's list before you bring them to market.
What goes on the label
- Your name and registration number. The number comes from ADHS.
- Every ingredient, and the date you made it.
- The home kitchen statement. Arizona requires a set statement that the food was made in a home kitchen that may come in contact with common food allergens and pet allergens, and isn't subject to public health inspection, plus where to learn more (azdhs.gov/Cottagefood). Copy the exact wording from ADHS.
- A sealed package. The label goes on the package, and the package needs a tamper-evident seal (the label can be the seal).
What to look out for at the market
Bring your certificate. When you sell away from home, like at a farmers market, you have to display your registration certificate.
Arizona only. Cottage food can be sold and delivered in Arizona, not across state lines.
Not for resale as an ingredient. You can't sell your cottage food to a store to use as an ingredient in what it sells.
Market rules come too. Many markets have their own rules for food vendors. Ask yours, and see our guide to Arizona's TPT license for sales tax.
Let shoppers see your menu before market day
With Booth Barn, shoppers can see what you're bringing and hold items to pick up at your booth. Free to start, and we never take a cut of your booth sales.
Start your free shopSources
- ADHS: How to register for the Cottage Food Program
- Arizona rule R9-8-101.02 (Cottage Food)
- ADHS Cottage Food Program
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check with the office above for your situation.