This bill amends sections of the Code of West Virginia to facilitate the production and sale of homemade food items and honey. It introduces definitions for terms such as "homemade food item," which refers to food produced for human consumption at the producer's residential property, and establishes conditions under which these items can be sold without the need for licensing, permitting, or inspection. The bill also allows for the sale of potentially hazardous homemade food items at farmers markets, provided vendors obtain the necessary permits. Additionally, it outlines labeling requirements for homemade food items, including a statement indicating that the product was made in a non-commercial kitchen.

Furthermore, the bill exempts beekeepers producing less than 500 gallons of honey annually from certain regulations, provided they meet specific criteria regarding the production and sale of honey. It emphasizes that local health departments and the Department of Agriculture retain the authority to investigate and halt the sale of food items linked to foodborne illnesses. The legislation aims to promote local food production while ensuring consumer safety through appropriate labeling and regulatory oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-35-2, 19-35-5, 19-35-6