SF391

The legislative bill SF No 391 aims to amend certain regulations regarding cottage foods—foods made in a home kitchen rather than a commercial one—specifically under Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 28A.152. Here are the key points:

1. Licensing Exemption Adjustment: The bill specifies that certain homemade foods that are not considered potentially hazardous can be sold without a commercial license, provided they are properly labeled and shown at the point of sale as being homemade and not subject to state inspection.

2. Sale Regulations: Cottage food producers can sell their goods directly to consumers at various locations such as community events, farmers markets, or online, as long as they adhere to labeling requirements and local ordinances. However, these products may not be sold outside Minnesota.

3. Sales Limit: The annual gross sales limit for those selling exempt foods is adjusted to $85,000 or less.

4. Registration Requirement: Those selling exempt foods must register yearly with a fee of $50, although those earning $8,500 or less are exempt from this fee.

5. Reporting Requirement: The bill mandates a biennial report to be submitted to legislative committees by the commissioner, detailing historical and inflation-adjusted sales limits.

In essence, the bill modifies the existing framework regarding the sale of home-prepared foods to streamline processes for small producers, while ensuring products are appropriately labeled and reported.