State Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) announced today that legislation designed to help small producers of certain homemade products and baked goods is on its way to the Governor for her signature. Opsommer indicated that he had received numerous phone calls from a variety of people interested in seeing the bill become law.
“Farmer’s markets, church bake sales, and entrepreneurial forays into the food industry have been hampered by bureaucratic red tape in Michigan for too long,” said Opsommer. “This legislation will enable numerous people and organizations to stay involved in sidewalk sales and charitable events to benefit both our communities and local economies.”
Current food laws do not allow for the resale of homemade food unless it has been prepared in an official commercial kitchen. For most small operators having to rent such a kitchen is so cost prohibitive that people quickly decide that trying to sell their products would be a losing proposition. The bills define a cottage food producer as someone who makes less than $15,000 in sales a year, and in general limits the types of products that can be sold to those that do not require refrigeration from a safety perspective.
Opsommer noted there has been an increase in farmers markets’ around the state, with recent counts reporting nearly 200 new ones opening up every day. The increasing trend is a result of consumers wanting to eat locally produced offerings, along with a renewed interest in healthier living through fresh foods.
“There is a huge interest now in organic and locally grown products that we need to support, and with many people looking for new avenues to create a business this a good way people can test the waters on a venture without having to risk losing a lot of money in upfront costs,” said Opsommer. “This is a good win-win for everyone”.
To be legally sold under the new legislation, homemade food must carry the label “Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.” Foods must also list potential allergens used as ingredients, such as peanuts or peanut oil.
The Governor is expected to sign the legislation.