Attempt to Override Governor’s Veto of Food Freedom Bill Narrowly Fails; Public Interest Law Firm Vows to Keep Fighting for Food Freedom

PHOENIX—Today, a bipartisan effort to override Gov. Katie Hobbs’ veto of a bill to expand the types of food Arizona’s at-home food producers can sell narrowly failed. A group of at-home food producers and attorneys from the Institute for Justice (IJ) held a rally the day of the vote, speaking about how a veto override would have helped the at-home food producers.  

“The governor’s veto, and the inability to override it, is bad news for all Arizonans and will particularly hurt hard-working food producers who want to start a business or supplement their income,” said IJ Senior Attorney Paul Avelar. “While we’re disappointed with today’s result, it is abundantly clear that there is bipartisan support for expanding food freedom in Arizona. We’re determined to continue working with food producers, activists and lawmakers to ensure future bills become law.” 

In 2011, Arizona passed a cottage food law which allowed home food producers to sell “shelf-stable” food such as cookies and bread. This year’s bill—which passed the Senate 26-4 and the House of Representative 45-11—would have expanded Arizona’s cottage food program to allow the sale of refrigerated foods and meals, made with perishable ingredients such as eggs. Gov. Hobbs vetoed the bipartisan bill last week.