Frequently Asked Questions

FOOD BUSINESS & LICENSING FAQS

Before opening a food establishment, contact Environmental Health to discuss licensing or permitting requirements.

New facilities or remodels may require:

• Plan review
• Construction approval
• Final construction inspection
• Operating license or permit approval

Facilities must comply with current Arizona Food Code requirements prior to operation.

Please visit the Guidelines & Applications section for applications, construction guidance, and permit information.


Processing times vary depending on:

• Completeness of the application
• Whether plan review is required
• Construction timelines
• Inspection scheduling


Incomplete applications may delay approval

Fees may include:

• Plan review fees
• Annual operating license fees
• Inspection or reinspection fees


Please refer to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule for current pricing.

No. Approval from Environmental Health is required before operating or serving food to the public.

MOBILE FOOD & TEMPORARY EVENT FAQS

Mobile food units must meet current Arizona Food Code requirements.

Depending on the unit and prior licensing status, requirements may include:

• Inspection
• Plan review
• Commissary verification
• License approval

 

Please contact Environmental Health prior to operating.

Temporary food events generally include:

• Fairs
• Festivals
• Markets
• Fundraisers
• Community celebrations
• Short-term food booths

Applications and event guidelines are available in the Guidelines & Applications section.

Completed applications and fees should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

Applications received less than 7 days prior to the event will be charged an additional fee.


In many cases, yes. Food permits may still be required even if food is provided at no cost.

Please contact Environmental Health regarding your specific event or activity.

COTTAGE FOOD & HOME-BASED FOOD

Arizona Cottage Food laws allow many types of foods to be prepared in a home kitchen for sale.

Examples may include:

• Baked goods
• Jams and jellies
• Dry mixes
• Candies

Foods requiring refrigeration or temperature control must be sold directly to the consumer.

Arizona Cottage Food operations are regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Some activities may not require a county food establishment permit.

Please review current Arizona Cottage Food guidance or contact Environmental Health for clarification.

FOOD SAFETY & INSPECTIONS

Food protection manager certification courses are offered through approved independent training providers.

A list of providers is available on the Food Handler Classes page.


Inspection frequency varies depending on:

• Type of establishment
• Risk level
• Compliance history
• Applicable Food Code requirements

Inspection findings are reviewed with the operator during the inspection.

Some violations may require immediate correction, follow-up inspection, or additional enforcement action depending on severity.

  • Excellent: No critical violations observed during inspection.
  • Satisfactory: Critical violations were identified but corrected during the inspection.
  • Needs Improvement: Critical violations were identified that could not be corrected during the inspection.
  • Unsatisfactory: The establishment required closure due to significant food safety or sanitation concerns.

Inspection ratings must be posted where they are visible to the public.

Safe food handling practices include:

• Proper handwashing
• Temperature control
• Avoiding cross contamination
• Proper cleaning and sanitizing
• Excluding ill workers from food preparation


Additional food safety guidance is available from the CDC, FDA, and USDA.