Cochise County officials are growing concerned about the number of struggling residents trying to earn a living any honest way they can. In particular, Cochise Health & Social Services has seen an increase “in the production of home-baked goods for commercial purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In response to this reckless behavior, officials are advising residents they need to comply with the Cottage Food Law of Arizona.
#cookiecops on patrol! I feel so safe now! https://t.co/n4jNUOyQMA
— James T Harris (@JamesTHarris) May 2, 2020
Cochise County officials remind audacious bakers that “anyone producing food at home for commercial use must first register with the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) and then obtain a ServSafe Food Handlers Card.
Arizonans filed 52,350 new claims, down from 132,000 a month earlier. The number of people collecting an unemployment check each week rose to 250,507 in Arizona.
Authorities want you to know that “home produced food must have a label including the common name of the product, name of registered food preparer and registration number, contact info (phone/email), a list of all ingredients, and the statement, “This product was produced in a home kitchen that may process common food allergens and is not subject to public health inspection.”
Food preparers are also limited to approved items:
- Fruit jams/jellies, dry mixes, dry pasta, roasted nuts, honey, cookies, breads/sweet breads, cakes with hard icings/frostings, fruit pies with fruit/sugar fillings, brownies/fudge, candies, donuts, roasted coffee beans, tortillas, muffins, scones, kettle corn (popcorn), tarts, and dry spice mixes.
Not approved:
- Foods requiring refrigeration, perishable baked goods, salsas, sauces, tamales, custards and cream style pies, pumpkin pies, cheesecake, pecan pie, butters and spreads, acidified food products, fermented and pickled food, beverages, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, and shellfish products.
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