GA HB583

Authorizes cottage food operators to produce and sell non-potentially hazardous foods (such as baked goods, jams, dried fruits, nuts, candies, and pickles) from their home kitchens directly to consumers, online, by mail order, or to retail food sales establishments including grocery stores and restaurants, with an exemption from state commercial food inspection requirements.

Requires cottage food items to be labeled with the operator's business name, address (or a department-issued identification number), phone number, and a statement in at least 10-point font that the product was produced at a residential property exempt from state inspection and may contain allergens.

Third-party vendors selling cottage food items must display them in a separate section or display case from non-cottage food items, with conspicuous signage indicating the products are exempt from state inspection.

Establishes enforcement by the Commissioner of Agriculture, with a written warning for the first willful violation and a civil penalty of up to $75.00 per violation for subsequent offenses; permits the Department of Agriculture to inspect a cottage food operator's residence only in response to consumer complaints, foodborne illness reports, or public health emergencies.

Preempts local governments from regulating cottage food items unless a county or municipality adopts a specific ordinance after a public hearing with 15–45 days' published notice, and prohibits any local government from banning commercial delivery of cottage food items.