I had the most crazy conversation with my county inspector. I called and got directly through to him (what a surprise!) and he immediatly told me there was no way I could sell baked goods from home. I said there was a new law passing in AZ on July 20th and his reply was "well its not July 20th is it?" So I continued saying "I am trying to do this all legally and want to have all my ducks in a row by then." (I was getting a wee bit pushy at this point becaues I did not appreciate his tone) Then I told him about the new law and gave him the name of it. He read it while we were on the phone(after I explained it all to him lol!) and then told me I just had to get my food handlers permit and do the registry they are setting up. I asked 3 times if I needed to do anything specific for the county and he said just whats in the state law so I believe I am good to go! It feels really good. It was just really confusing because at the beginning he was making it sound like even if the state law went into effect our county would not allow anything. But then in the end he was very helpful and very nice about it and his attitude change like crazy. I am also legal with the town as well! It was very odd but I am so happy to be able to help my family financially! Come on July 20th!!!

Hi Betty,
Don't be surprised that the people in charge don't know the new law yet. I met with a Health Inspector (Maricopa County) recently and he was very aware of it but told me that it will be a while before the word gets spread around. Of course he told me the "best" way to go is to rent or use a commerical kitchen. He said he wouldn't be surprised if a lot of those using commerical kitchens now will be closing their permits when this law goes into effect.

KimAZ

All I can say is congratulations on your new business. I hope everything goes well in the setting-up process and that you're wildly successful!

I am so jealous of you right now. Texas did not get their cottage law passed this session. Congratulations to you!! I bet you are so excited!!

Kim, was he saying to rent a kitchen even when the law is in effect?? Thats rediculous and just silly! Lol oh I know it was more his attitude towards it at the beginning that bugged me. Although he was looking for an e mail that he couldn't find from Maricopa all about it and he could not find it so its starting to get spread! Maybe I should be less surprised if people don't know about it yet. AFter all I am sure the inspectors don't spend lots of time on Cake Central reading forums. lol!!! Marianna thank you! and Robin I am sorry I hope it does next time!!!!

Oh, robinmarie, darn, darn, darn! Although I hail from Texas, I haven't lived there in years, but every time this comes up and then doesn't pass, it makes me mad for all my fellow Texas cakers! Was it even close? Let's hope it goes through next session.

I would double check with your county and town authorities regarding requirements as they may have more strict policies than the state does. Here in PA we have a cottage food law, however, the state requires approval from the town prior to issuing a license.

i know that our county (in az) said that they are going to miantain requirements in addition to the state cottage law, especially concerning the issue of what is considered 'non-hazaradous foods'. Seems unfair that different counties can interpret and implement a state law in different ways and to different levels of safety. But i guess that other states have been dealing with different codes and regulations over county lines for a while now.

madicakes, I called both the town and the county. I can't really double check because I talked to the people I needed to and I would just call those same people and ask them the same question again. We don't have to get a license at all just follow some general rules.
lorieleann, oh man I am so sorry! I am not sure if you want to disclose this info and I totally understand if you don't but what county are you in? That would frustrate me so much!

ooooooooooooohhhh yay for Texas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!