The bill amends current agricultural law in Kansas to require beekeepers who wish to sell packaged honey and honeycombs to register with the Department of Agriculture, rather than merely permitting them to do so. This registration is necessary for beekeepers to sell their products without needing a food establishment or food processing plant license. The bill outlines specific requirements for registration, including that the honey and honeycombs must be packaged on the beekeeper's property, labeled with certain information, and kept unaltered. Additionally, the annual gross sales from honey and honeycombs must not exceed $25,000, and beekeepers must maintain sales records available for inspection.

The bill also clarifies that registered beekeepers are not required to have a commercial kitchen or certain facilities typically mandated under the Kansas food, drug, and cosmetic act. It introduces a disclaimer that must be included on product labels, stating that the products are not subject to routine inspection by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, the bill repeals existing language that previously allowed for certain exemptions and modifies the requirements for beekeepers to ensure compliance with sanitary standards. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the process for small-scale beekeepers while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-689
As Amended by House Committee: 65-689
As Amended by Senate Committee: 65-689