Bill > HB2588

This bill expands and clarifies regulations for cottage food production operations (CFPOs) in Texas, allowing nonprofit organizations to operate as CFPOs and increasing the annual gross income threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 with annual inflation adjustments. The bill introduces a new category called "cottage food vendors" who can sell CFPO products directly to consumers at various locations like farmers' markets and retail stores. It broadens the types of foods that can be produced, removes many previous restrictions on specific food items, and prohibits local governments from requiring licenses or permits for most cottage food operations. The bill mandates specific labeling requirements, including a disclosure that the product was produced in a private residence not subject to government inspection, and allows CFPOs to provide product samples and donate foods. For time and temperature control foods, additional safety requirements are introduced, such as proper storage, refrigeration labels, and mandatory department registration. The bill also allows CFPOs to sell some products wholesale to cottage food vendors, with certain exceptions for specific food types like meat, seafood, and dairy products. These changes aim to make it easier for home-based food producers to operate and sell their products while maintaining basic food safety standards.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2588