SB2007: FOOD HANDLING-COTTAGE FOOD

Legislative Summary

Amends the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act. Removes specified provisions containing requirements for cottage food operations. Contains requirements for cottage food operations that sell fermented or acidified food and baked goods with cheese. Contains requirements for the preparation and packaging of products by a cottage food operation. Provides that food and drink produced by a cottage food operation shall be sold directly to consumers for their own consumption and not for resale. Provides that only food that is non-potentially hazardous may be shipped. Prohibits a cottage food product from being shipped out of State. Requires each cottage food product that is shipped to be sealed in a manner that reveals tampering. Provides that a local health department shall register any eligible cottage food operation that meets the requirements of the provisions and shall issue a certificate of registration with an identifying registration number to each registered cottage food operation. Provides that a local health department may establish a self-certification program for cottage food operators to affirm compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Provides that registration shall be completed annually and the local health department may impose a fee not to exceed $50. Provides for inspection, fees, and penalties in the event of a consumer complaint or foodborne illness outbreak, an imminent health hazard, or a product that has been found to be misbranded, adulterated, or not in compliance with the conditions for cottage food operations. Provides that a local health department that receives a consumer complaint or a report of foodborne illness related to a cottage food operator in another jurisdiction shall refer the complaint or report to the local health department where the cottage food operator is registered. Contains an exemption from the requirements for a non-potentially hazardous baked good for sale by a religious, charitable, or nonprofit organization for fundraising purposes. Contains a home rule preemption. Contains other provisions. Effective January 1, 2022.