Senate Bill 739 aims to amend current food licensing laws in Wisconsin by creating exemptions for the sale of certain home-prepared food products, specifically nonpotentially hazardous foods and canned pickled fruits and vegetables. The bill establishes that individuals preparing these foods at home will not need a food processing plant license if they meet specific criteria, including registering with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), labeling their products with required information, maintaining liability insurance, and adhering to sales limits. The bill also revises the eligibility criteria for the existing canned pickled foods exemption to align with the new provisions for nonpotentially hazardous foods.

Key changes include the creation of definitions for "nonpotentially hazardous food" and "cottage food producer," as well as the introduction of a registration process for home producers. The bill mandates that home producers must register with DATCP, which will issue registration numbers, and outlines the necessary information that must be included in the registration application. Additionally, the bill specifies labeling requirements for food products and establishes a home inspection process for cottage food producers to ensure compliance with safety standards. Overall, the bill seeks to facilitate the sale of homemade food products while ensuring consumer safety and regulatory oversight.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 97.29(2)(b)2.(intro.), 97.29