HB 2487 Summary

• Creates the "Farmers Market Homemade Foods Act" requiring persons operating homemade food establishments to obtain a license from the State Department of Health before opening or operating.

• Defines "homemade food establishment" as a residence-based business producing food items for sale solely at registered farmers markets with gross annual sales under $20,000, excluding charitable and civic organizations.

• Limits allowed homemade foods to baked goods, canned items (fruits, jams, jellies, preserves, salsa), and other items clearly labeled as produced in a homemade food establishment.

• Authorizes the Department to issue up to 1,000 licenses annually at $75 per license with a two-year term and renewal options; requires periodic inspections of food preparation areas.

• Establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for first violation and up to $2,000 for subsequent violations; effective November 1, 2012.