Relative to microenterprise home kitchen operations.
Impact
If enacted, HB 122's provisions would significantly reduce the regulatory burden on small home-based food businesses by accommodating those who operate under the defined limits. This move is likely to boost local economies and encourage food innovation by empowering individuals to sell homemade food products directly to consumers without the overhead of traditional food business regulations. However, the Department of Health and Human Services has expressed concerns about potential negative effects on food safety due to reduced inspections, which may lead to health risks associated with foodborne pathogens.
Summary
House Bill 122 aims to redefine and expand the operational scope of microenterprise home kitchen operations in New Hampshire. The bill increases the annual gross sales threshold for homestead food operations from $35,000 to $50,000, allowing more individuals to operate without needing a food service license. Under this law, those selling under the adjusted threshold are exempt from the burdensome licensing and inspection requirements usually imposed on food establishments, thereby promoting local entrepreneurship within the food sector.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers regarding the balance between promoting local businesses and ensuring public health safety. Proponents argue that the regulatory flexibility will enable budding chefs and food entrepreneurs to thrive, while opponents caution against the risks associated with lax safety regulations. Critics from local health departments and food safety advocates have voiced their worry that the increased number of exempt operations could heighten the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks, prompting calls for better oversight mechanisms despite the push for deregulation.
Redefining "homestead foods" as "artisan foods," creating an artisan food operations exemption, establishing artisan food products sales venues, and allowing the production and sale of artisan food products requiring refrigeration.