This bill amends Iowa's food safety regulations by introducing a new licensing framework for "farm-to-table events," which are defined as events where food is stored, prepared, and served on a farm under specific conditions. The operator must hold a legal interest in the farm, and the principal income from the farm cannot come from these events. Meals served must be prepared on-site for on-premises consumption, primarily consist of farm-produced commodities, and are generally served outdoors unless otherwise permitted by regulations. The bill establishes a $100 annual license fee for these events, which covers all occurrences on the farm, and mandates the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) to create rules for food safety, sanitary conditions, and fire control.

Additionally, the bill modifies regulations surrounding cottage foods, allowing them to be sold to food establishments under certain conditions, such as maintaining separate storage from other foods and proper labeling. It also revises the distribution rules for raw milk and associated products, permitting licensed home food processing establishments and food establishments located on raw milk dairy farms to sell these products, provided they comply with existing health regulations. The bill requires DIAL to adopt emergency rules to implement these changes within 180 days of enactment, which takes effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 137F.1, 673A.3, 137F.6, 137F.22, 137F.8B, 195.8