H.B. No. 2588 amends the Health and Safety Code to expand the definition and regulations surrounding cottage food production operations in Texas. The bill introduces the concept of a "cottage food vendor," which refers to individuals who sell food on behalf of cottage food production operations. It also allows nonprofit organizations to operate as cottage food producers under specific conditions. The bill raises the annual gross income limit for cottage food production operations from $50,000 to $100,000, adjusted for inflation, and specifies that these operations can sell directly to consumers or through cottage food vendors. Additionally, it exempts cottage food production operations that manufacture and distribute cottage food for resale from certain licensing requirements.

The legislation also includes provisions for labeling and safety, requiring cottage food production operations to include specific disclosures on their products, such as a statement indicating that the food was produced in a private residence not subject to governmental licensing or inspection. It prohibits local authorities from regulating cottage food production operations or requiring licenses for certain food sales. The bill further outlines the requirements for selling time and temperature control for safety food, including registration with the department and proper storage and labeling. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 437.001, Health and Safety Code 437.0192, Health and Safety Code 437.0193, Health and Safety Code 437.0194, Health and Safety Code 437.0196 (Health and Safety Code 437)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 437.001, Health and Safety Code 437.0191, Health and Safety Code 437.0192, Health and Safety Code 437.0193, Health and Safety Code 437.0194 (Health and Safety Code 437)