This bill amends existing law to permit the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations in New Hampshire. Specifically, it introduces new legal language stating that "food that is freeze dried shall not be considered potentially hazardous food." This change allows individuals operating homestead food businesses to sell freeze-dried products without the same regulatory constraints that apply to potentially hazardous foods. Additionally, the bill specifies that freeze-dried foods must contain appropriate oxygen absorbers when packaged for sale and must include a label stating "not for purposes of rehydrating."

The bill also outlines the labeling requirements for homestead food products, which include the name, address, and phone number of the operation, the product name, ingredient list, and allergy information. Products exempt from licensure must be labeled as such, while those from licensed operations must indicate their licensed status. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage, and the fiscal impact is estimated to be less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 143-A:12