Bill > HB3720

This bill, known as the "Access to Healthy Local Food Act," aims to simplify regulations for producers selling local food directly to consumers in Oklahoma. It defines "local food" as food produced in the state and sold directly to an "informed end consumer," who is someone purchasing the food for consumption after being notified of its exemption from state licensing and inspection. The act exempts these direct-to-consumer sales from state licensing and inspection requirements if producers complete approved food safety training, provide specific product information (like producer name, address, ingredients, and allergen warnings) to consumers, and comply with local zoning laws. Producers can opt to pay an annual $15 fee to the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to obtain a registration number that can be used on labels instead of their personal contact and production location details. Farms can also sell and serve local food on-site under these conditions. Importantly, the act does not prevent investigations into foodborne illnesses and allows the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to request proof of compliance and issue fines of up to $300 per violation for non-compliance, while also permitting counties to enact their own food sale ordinances as long as they don't conflict with this act.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3720&Session=2600