States Move to Deregulate Homemade Food in 2015
20th January 2015
As 2015 legislatures swing back into action, several states are considering decreasing regulation of small-scale food producers, making it easier for residents to buy and sell homemade, farm-fresh products. Bills making their way through Connecticut, Virginia, and Wyoming statehouses would release “cottage foods” and products like raw milk from rules currently prohibiting direct kitchen-to-consumer sales.
“Cottage foods” are homemade items, such as baked goods and jams, deemed not especially hazardous from a food-safety perspective. The Connecticut General Assembly is considering a bill to legalize cottage food sales. “Under existing rules, specialty food companies must use licensed commercial kitchens, except in cases where food is sold to raise money for charitable causes, such as school bake sales,” notes the Stamford Advocate.
Rollin’ back the Nanny State.