Bill > HB505

This bill requires homestead food operations that process and sell freeze dried foods (defined as fruits, vegetables, and commercially prepared dairy products) to obtain a license under existing state regulations. The bill mandates that all packaged homestead food products sold at farm stands, farmers' markets, or retail food stores must include detailed labels specifying the operation's name, address, and phone number, a list of ingredients in descending order by weight, and allergy information. Additionally, products must be labeled differently depending on their licensing status: exempt products must be marked "This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection," while non-exempt products must state "This product is made in a residential kitchen licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services." The bill will take effect 120 days after its passage, and according to the fiscal note, it is expected to have a minimal fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually from 2025 to 2028. The legislation aims to provide transparency and ensure proper regulation of homestead food operations selling freeze dried products.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0548&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB505