I am no longer an illegal… Baker!

My official Certificate, next to the kids' artwork

I am officially registered as a Food Service Worker with Maricopa County’s Department of Environmental Health. Also pinned on my refrigerator is my official certificate, as a registered member of the Home Baked and Confectionery Goods Program with the Office of Environmental Health within Arizona Department of Health Services. What does this mean? I can legally sell potentially-nonhazardous baked goods prepared in my kitchen.

In July of 2011 the state of Arizona passed a Cottage Food Law allowing baked goods prepared at home to be sold on an individual basis, in stores, or at Farmer’s markets.

To learn more about this program click here.

As the push has been to “go local” this program allows individuals to find what they need close to home without all the additives and preservatives used in a commercial setting.

And even if I decide not to sell my precious baked goods the study material was helpful just for keeping my own kitchen safe... or I’m ready to jump into a job at McDonalds. Ha ha.