We must also remember when addressing issues in forums like this that all states do not require the same thing. There are states that have a cottage food law that do not allow those living in urban areas to bake from home for profit. It is true the AZ cottage food law is official, but we will not know exactly what is or is not permitted until the requirements, rules and regulations are made public in July.

I understand your point for sure. I only know what is written in the new law. Perhaps that will be something they will include later...I have no idea.

KimAZ

I understand the point as well. However, not every business in the state of Arizona is required to have a business license. I believe that since "baked and confectionary goods" has been deemed "non-potentially hazardous" that we will not be required to have a business license under this new law...similar to other home based businesses. We will be required to get a food handler's card, label everything with ingredients and a disclosure that the food items were not prepared in a government regulated kitchen, and register with an online registry of food preparers that are authorized to prepare food for commercial purposes. And yes, we still have to report all income to the IRS. The following is a link to the actual bill. The revisions are in blue.

http://www.azleg.gov//FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/50leg/1r/laws/0084.htm&Session_ID=102

I'm not in Arizona, but a friend of mine lives there and has a licensed business.

The amended bill that was posted says this:
Baked and confectionary goods that are not potentially hazardous

That doesn't mean that all baked goods are not hazardous, it means that the ones that are not potentially hazardous are the ones that a cottage baker would be able to prepare. You'll still have to check with the health department to see what they mean by that.

I have friends in Massachusetts who can't use "potentially hazardous" icings, which eliminates all meringue buttercreams in the eyes of their HDs. I suspect that onece this bill is passed you'll still have restrictions on what you can make, and you'll still be dealing with the HD.

As far as business licenses go, the HD doesn't have anything to do with that, so if they change that part of the bill you'll still need to check with your county government to see if they require one for what you want to do.

The following is a link with definitions of "bakery", "bakery products", and "potentially hazardous food". Again, this is for Maricopa County.

http://www.maricopa.gov/EnvSvc/EnvHealth/News/Chapter8_1006.pdf

Anyone know if there are any updates on this? Are we allowed to sell from home bakeries as of July 20th? Can we sell baked goods that contain eggs?

For those who use a rented kitchen how exactly does that work. Do you bake the cakes there and bring them home to decorate or do you do everything there and put in your home fridge?

Eggs are fine because they are baked into the cakes. You can't have things where the eggs would be raw.

This is the website to register your home bakery! http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/fses/goods/index.htm

http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/fses/goods/hazardous/index.htm

At the above link it states that eggs are "Foods Considered Potentially Hazardous", but that "cakes with hard icings or frostings" are approved Home Baked and Confectionary Goods. So I'm confused if we actually can use eggs that have been baked into cakes? Or if we aren't allowed to bake any item that contains eggs since if prepared incorrectly it could be potentially hazardous?

You CAN USE EGGS!! When they talk about potentially harzardous they mean RAW eggs. Since baked goods like cakes have eggs that get COOKED, it is perfectly fine.

KimAZ

Has anyone taken the food handler's test? Is it easy to pass?

It's very easy! Just read and review the test questions before you go. Many of the questions do not apply to baking, but you still have to know them for food handleing safety.

Here is a link to the test questions:
http://www.maricopa.gov/EnvSvc/EnvHealth/SpecProg/FoodWorker/StudyGuides.aspx

Good luck!
KimAZ

Hey guys just to let you know you don't have to get a food handler's license in Navajo County. Everywhere else you do. I live in Navajo county and had already taken it. Oh well! Good luck to everyone in AZ!

Here is the latest as of Oct 7, 2011.

http://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/

Be sure to watch the little video. Final rules are coming.

KimAZ

that is a great video. I especially like the part about putting the kids to work after school

I am looking for some advice. Once I get the food handlers card and register, what is the next step to be officially allowed to begin baking in my kitchen. Does someone have to come out and inspect my kitchen or once I register, can I begin baking right away.

I also have one more question. If I want to bake my goods at home, but want to sell them at the Farmers Market and not from home. Do I still need to find out about zoning or does it not matter since I am not selling from my home.

As far as labeling goes, does anyone have a program or a website to make their labels they could recommend?

Thank you for your advice in advance.