Bill > H833

This bill, known as the Food Refrigeration Expansion for Safe Home-processing (FRESH) Act, directs the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to expand its existing Home Processor Program to allow participants to produce and sell a broader range of food products, specifically including refrigerated and frozen foods, as well as bakery items with cream or cream cheese fillings like cheesecakes. The Department is authorized to adopt temporary rules to implement this expansion, with these temporary rules remaining in effect until permanent rules are established. Importantly, the expanded program will still be subject to existing food safety laws and inspections, ensuring that home processors continue to meet required safety standards. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, providing home-based food producers with new opportunities to create and sell a wider variety of perishable products while maintaining regulatory oversight to protect public health.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H833