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Small Food Businesses
Sports Nutrition Workshop Starting a new Food Business

Question:
Bake sale: I would like to make food at home and sell it to the public. Is that allowed?

Answer:
Only if you meet all of the following three criteria:
  1. Only non-potentially hazardous food items may be made. (Non-potentially hazardous food items generally means food items that do not need refrigeration), and
  2. you are limited to the sale at religious or charitable organizations bake sale events only. (Usually these bake sales are limited to only four times a year), and
  3. you must disclose at the sale to the public that the food is prepared in a kitchen that is not under regulation and inspection by the Environmental Services Department. This can be done through a sign. Making food at home for any other commercial purpose or give away promotions is not allowed.

    Code Ref: Maricopa County Health Code Chapter VIII Section 1 Regulation 1 Definition 45 (c) i.

Question:
I would like to start my own food service or food sales business. What are your regulations and health codes? Where do I start?

There are two scenario's that may apply which are listed below:

Answer:
New establishment or remodeling:
If you are planning to construct a new establishment or are planning to remodel an existing establishment you must submit plans to the Plan Review section. Depending on the extent of the remodeling, you may be exempt from the plan submittal requirement and it would be wise to call before submitting plans. Information concerning construction requirements is available on this web-site at: Plan Review http://www.maricopa.gov/envsvc/ENVHLTH/planrev.asp f you have any plan review questions please call Donna Martinez at (602) 506-6980.

Moving into an existing establishment:
If you are moving into an existing food establishment, please contact the regional office in your area \ (listed below) and ask to speak with a supervisor or an inspector with Maricopa County Environmental Health Department.
  • Central Region 1001 N. Central Third Floor Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602)506-6965
  • Eastern Region 1255 W. Baseline Suite #257 Mesa, AZ 85202 (480)820-7655
  • Northern Region 3101 E. Shea Suite #220 Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602)867-1780
  • Western Region 8910 N. 43rd Ave. Suite #101 Glendale, AZ 85302 (623)939-5788

Question:
 I have a hot dog cart/ cold truck/mobile food unit/ice cream truck from which I wish to sell food. Do I need a permit to do this?

Answer:
Yes, selling as a mobile food vendor requires for you to obtain a permit from our department. In order to obtain a permit you will have to contact the mobile food section which is located at:
1645 E. Roosevelt Street. Phoenix, AZ 85006.

Details on requirements and contact phone numbers can be found at:
Mobile Food - http://www.maricopa.gov/EnvSvc/EnvHealth/MobileFood/MobileFood.aspx

Question:
I am interested in doing catering out of my restaurant. Are there any regulations I need to be aware of?

Answer:
Food catering as defined by the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code is "any establishment in which the process of preparing food products or food is carried on at one premises for food service and consumption at another off-site location for a temporary event or other occurrence." A separate permit will need to be obtained for this. Some of the requirements are that all food must be prepared at an approved kitchen or commissary and personal vehicles (station wagons, passenger cars etc.) cannot be used for transport. Contact the appropriate regional office for additional requirements.


Sports Nutrition Workshop HACCP - click to view

Sports Nutrition Workshop Maricopa County Food Worker Testing
 
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