This bill establishes new labeling requirements for food products produced in homestead kitchens, amending existing laws to enhance consumer safety and transparency. It introduces specific labeling criteria for homestead food products sold in various venues, including farm stands and farmers' markets. The new legal language mandates that all packaged homestead food products must include the name, contact information of the food operation, the product name, a list of ingredients in descending order by weight, and allergy information. Additionally, it allows for the use of a QR code or website link for ingredient information, provided that a physical sign is displayed at the point of sale.

The bill also clarifies the licensing requirements for homestead food operations, specifying that those selling food products, excluding potentially hazardous items, from their residence or farm stand are exempt from licensure and inspection unless there is an imminent health hazard. It further stipulates that operations wishing to sell to restaurants, online, or through other distribution channels must be licensed under the revised provisions. The bill replaces certain outdated language and streamlines the definitions and requirements for homestead food operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards while promoting local food production. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 143-A:12, 143-A:5, 143-A:13