Yuma County public health seeks adoption of 2022 Food Code, outlines expanded cottage food rules

Diana Gomez, director of the Yuma County Public Health District, told the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 3 that the county intends to move forward with formal adoption of the 2022 Food Code and is planning public outreach and education before presenting the ordinance for consideration in the first quarter of 2026.

Gomez said the county currently enforces a version of the food code adopted in 1999 and that the 2022 update mainly adds modest technical and science-based changes (for example, updated temperature standards and technology- and labeling-related clarifications) that are already in use in many jurisdictions. "The last thing you want is to get out there get ready to do stuff and find out that you're not in compliance," Gomez said, describing the Environmental Health Department's proactive outreach to event organizers and mobile vendors.

Gomez also summarized changes to the Arizona Cottage Food Law, noting that a 2024 expansion allows a broader range of prepared foods to be sold direct to consumers if producers register with the Arizona Department of Health Services, obtain food-handler training, and follow labeling and safety requirements. She said prohibited items continue to include alcohol-infused products, raw milk, most fish and shellfish, and marijuana-infused foods, and that labels must carry a production date, a full ingredient list and the consumer notice required by state guidance.

The presentation emphasized education and a phased approach: Public Health staff will increase outreach to chambers of commerce and event organizers, continue on-site education at community events, and offer classes and materials so entrepreneurs understand requirements before enforcement. Gomez proposed returning to the board between January and March 2026 with a proposed adoption timeline and public-feedback summary.

Board members asked whether the department had received public comments; Gomez said this meeting was an initial public notice and that formal feedback had not yet been gathered. She repeatedly framed the change as an effort to align Yuma County with current statewide practice and to reduce compliance friction for mobile vendors and festival operators who move between counties.