The bill amends current Kansas law regarding beekeepers and their ability to sell packaged honey and honeycombs. It changes the language from permitting to requiring beekeepers who meet specific criteria to register with the Department of Agriculture if they wish to sell these products without needing a food establishment or food processing plant license. The bill outlines the requirements for registration, including that the honey and honeycombs must be packaged on the beekeeper's property, labeled with specific information, and kept unaltered. Additionally, it reduces the annual gross sales limit for beekeepers from $50,000 to $25,000 and introduces a new requirement for beekeepers to follow minimum sanitary standards for packaging.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that registered beekeepers who meet the outlined requirements will not need to maintain a commercial kitchen facility or specific equipment for temperature-controlled food items. It also includes a disclaimer that must be labeled on the products, stating that they are not subject to routine inspection by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The bill amends K.S.A. 65-689 and repeals the existing section, ensuring that the new provisions are integrated into the Kansas food, drug, and cosmetic act.

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