House File 2431 (
HF 2431) has passed out of the House as well as the Senate Commerce Committee and is now up for a vote in the full Senate which will likely take place sometime this week.
The bill will improve the ability of home kitchens and cottage food producers to earn a living and will increase consumer access to locally produced foods.
Under HF 2431, licensed home food producers will be able to sell up to $50,000 per year of perishable foods (i.e., foods requiring time and temperature control for safety), including poultry and meat products if the producer is in compliance with federal law. Under current law, licensed home food producers can only sell up to $35,000 of perishable baked goods annually. The bill will also expand the sale of shelf-stable non-perishable foods to now include online sales and shipment direct to the consumer. If a home food producer is only selling shelf-stable foods direct to the consumer, there are neither licensing requirements nor a sales cap.
HF 2431 is a great opportunity to strengthen Iowa's local food system.
