HB5025 Summary

• Amends the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act to establish a Farmers' Market Retail Permit system for farmers selling potentially hazardous foods (meat, poultry, dairy) that are prepackaged in licensed facilities.

• Permits are issued by local health departments, valid for one year, with fees capped at $50 per permit and required for each jurisdiction where sales occur.

• Farmers selling eggs directly at farmers' markets with an Egg License from the Department of Agriculture are exempt from local health department regulation.

• Prohibits local health departments from adopting sanitation guidelines for farmers' markets that are more stringent than statewide regulations, promoting consistent enforcement across counties.

• Specifies permit requirements including farm contact information, product lists, thermometers for refrigeration units, temperature maintenance at 41°F or below, and HACCP food safety plans for non-refrigerated products.