The bill aims to revise the Montana Local Food Choice Act by introducing new provisions for the storage of homemade food products in retail food establishments under specific conditions. Key amendments include the definition of "deliver," which now encompasses transactions between a producer or their designated agent and an informed end consumer. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a retail food establishment may store homemade food products for producers, provided that the food is delivered by the producer or their agent, stored in a secured area not accessible to the public, and clearly marked as not for sale. Furthermore, it stipulates that homemade food must be retrieved by the producer or their agent for delivery to the consumer, with provisions for disposal if the food remains unclaimed for over 30 days.

The bill also revises existing definitions and exemptions related to homemade food and cottage food operations. It specifies that producers are not subject to certain licensing and inspection requirements, and it emphasizes that transactions must occur directly between producers and consumers for home consumption or at traditional community social events. The amendments aim to facilitate the sale and distribution of homemade food while ensuring consumer safety and compliance with health regulations. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the local food economy by providing clearer guidelines for homemade food transactions and storage.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-49-202, 50-49-203, 50-50-102, 50-50-103