Food establishment inspections; exemptions for private homes where resident processes yogurt. (HB1785)

Introduced By

Del. Matt Fariss (R-Rustburg) with support from co-patrons Del. Rob Bell (R-Charlottesville), Del. Nick Freitas (R-Culpeper), and Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Charlottesville)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Food establishment inspections; exemptions. Exempts from inspections by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services private homes where the resident processes and prepares any yogurt that has an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or lower or baked good, subject to certain conditions. Current law exempts only those baked goods that do not require time or temperature control after preparation. The bill removes the requirement that private homes where the resident processes pickles or other acidified vegetables sell less than $3,000 in gross sales in a calendar year in order to qualify for such exemption. This bill contains technical amendments. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
12/27/2018Committee
12/27/2018Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/19 19101582D
12/27/2018Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
01/09/2019Impact statement from DPB (HB1785)
01/09/2019Assigned ACNR sub: Subcommittee #1
01/14/2019House committee, floor amendments and substitutes offered
01/14/2019House subcommittee amendments and substitutes offered
01/14/2019Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (5-Y 3-N)
01/16/2019Failed to report (defeated) in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (5-Y 17-N) (see vote tally)

Comments

JoAnne Norton writes:

I think it should require inspection.

Bernadette Barber writes:

The ability to purchase food from a trusted friend and neighbor is one of the most valuable freedoms we can hold.

Anne Buteau writes:

I have a friend who makes amazing quiches which I always eat at potlucks. I would love to buy them from him, but if he sells me one he is breaking the law. Is this freedom? Shouldn't he be able to make some money from his talent?

Suzi Croes writes:

Many home cake decorators, young aspiring cooks and entrepreneurs wanting to test the waters for a business will benefit from this bill.

I have seen farmers markets double in foot traffic in my town because of the initial kitchen bill passed in 2008. Inspections have not always helped our food be safer for the industry food where many hands and processes divide me from the person or business owner (big business) that produced the food. I would rather buy from someone directly that makes a good product and look forward to more great products from small direct sellers.

The freedom to expand our local markets should not come from the top down, but from our local artisans.

Don Richards writes:

I support the bill

Penelope Ferguson writes:

I believe such foods should be allowed. BUT,the Farmer/Vendor needs to have a large sign that states, 'Prepared in an un-inspected Kitchen/facility'. IN other words:(Buyer Be Ware).
Virginia needs to promote the small Cottage Enterprise. Farmers Markets are wonderful venues to allow the capitalistic spirit among community members!

Karen Gay writes:

HB1785 is an important amendment to our laws. Currently our laws are set up for large food enterprises which because of their large volume and workers who may not take pride in their product, need regulation. However home businesses have a reputation to maintain and one food safety mistake will put them out of business through word of mouth. Allowing unregulated entrepreneurship on a small scale can literally put food on the tables of busy people and those who actually make it!

Diana Gibson writes:

I have been promoting entrepreneurship with my daughter and teaching her the value of money and hard work. One of the few money-generating activities appropriate for her age would be making and selling baked goods from home and we would directly benefit from this law. Please consider folks who are looking for creative ways to supplement their income.

KB Brinkman writes:

I support House Bill 1785. We need to support local artisans.

Kelly Spinks writes:

This would open so many opportunities to area farmers to keep doing what we love and earn an income while supplying locals with healthy local goods. We have been waiting for a much needed change in the cottage laws!