Dear Friend,

Alaska House Bill 251 has the potential to make major changes to access to cottage foods and farm-raised meats in the state of Alaska! A hearing in the house Labor and Commerce Committee will be held by teleconference, this Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at 3:15 p.m. (AKST)  Read the full bill text.

House Bill 251 (HB 251) "EXEMPTIONS FOR HOMEMADE FOODS," introduced by Rep. George Rauscher, would increase the annual gross revenue limit for cottage foods to $250,000. Currently in Alaska, non-potentially hazardous foods made in a home kitchen "cottage foods” are subject to a $25,000 per year revenue cap and certain labelling and other requirements.  

A second important part of this bill, is Sec. 17.20.334. on "ANIMAL SHARES" which states "A person may acquire meat from a producer by way of an ownership interest in the animal or herd from which the meat originated." This section of the bill will increase accessibility of consumers to farm raised meats, and increase marketing opportunities for independent farmers and ranchers. The bill will legally allow animal share agreements (meat shares) where a consumer can acquire meat from a producer by establishing an ownership interest in the animal or herd. (Certain contract and labeling requirements would need to be met.)

For cottage foods, both non-potentially hazardous (NPH) and potentially hazardous homemade foods (generally foods that require time or temperature control for safety) sold from the place of production, at farmer’s markets, and at fairs would be exempted from state labelling, licensing, packaging, permitting and inspection requirements.

Additionally, the bill seeks to allow the sale of NPH foods from the retail location of a third-party seller, like retail locations and grocery stores, subject to labelling and shelving requirements.

With inspection, labeling, packaging and other requirements met, the bill allows for either NPH or potentially hazardous foods to be sold or used in a commercial food establishment.