South Dakota House Bill HB1179

South Dakota 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 2/3/25

Caption

Clarify certain labeling and sales requirements for homemade food items.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1179 will primarily affect local food producers, enabling them to sell their homemade products with clear and regulated labeling. This bill standardizes requirements for disclosure, ensuring consumers receive comprehensive information about the food items. Additionally, this legislation does not prevent health authorities from investigating foodborne illness reports, reinforcing the commitment to consumer safety while allowing homemade food sales to flourish.

Summary

House Bill 1179 seeks to clarify the labeling and sales requirements for homemade food items in South Dakota. The bill mandates that sellers provide specific information, such as the common name of the product, producer's name, production address, and a disclaimer regarding the lack of commercial kitchen certification. This aims to ensure consumers are aware of the nature of homemade food products they are purchasing, thereby enhancing transparency and food safety.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 1179 aims to foster a safer marketplace for homemade food products while providing clear guidelines for producers. By emphasizing proper labeling and safety measures, the bill intends to protect consumers and promote transparency in the growing local food economy of South Dakota.

Contention

One notable point of contention around HB 1179 concerns the balance between promoting local entrepreneurship and ensuring consumer safety. Supporters argue that while enhancing labeling requirements is necessary, it should not create an excessive regulatory burden that prevents small-scale producers from entering the market. Legislators may face debates on the adequacy of these requirements and their implications for local businesses and overall food safety.