Michigan House Bill HB4122

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/25
• Refer: 2/25/25

Caption

Food: cottage food operation; certain requirements for cottage food operations and cottage food products; modify. Amends sec. 1105, 1111 & 4102 of 2000 PA 92 (MCL 289.1105 et seq.).

Impact

The proposed amendments to the Food Law would introduce a one-time registration fee of up to $50 for cottage food operations, enabling them to produce and market cottage foods legally. Subsequently, this could empower individuals, fostering local entrepreneurship and economic development by simplifying the entry barriers for producing homemade goods. The bill sets a gross sales cap for cottage food products, stipulating that businesses selling at higher prices could earn up to $75,000 annually, promoting higher income potential for small businesses.

Summary

House Bill 4122 aims to amend the Michigan Food Law, specifically targeting the regulations surrounding cottage food operations. These operations permit individuals to produce and sell non-hazardous food products from their home kitchens without the need for formal food processing licenses. The bill includes specific provisions for labeling requirements, sales limits, and the establishment of a registration program through the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center. By allowing for registration with MSU, it seeks to simplify the process for cottage food producers while ensuring transparency and accountability.

Contention

While the bill appears to support local economies and small businesses, it faces scrutiny regarding food safety and regulation. Critics may argue that broad exemptions from inspections could compromise public health, especially if the products are inadequately monitored for safety standards. The labeling requirements, which must include a disclaimer about the non-inspected status of the home kitchen, are designed to inform consumers, yet some advocates stress that there needs to be additional safeguards to ensure that food being sold from home meets public safety standards.