Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2217

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning cottage food product labeling requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Eslick, Leavitt, Chambers, Callan, Dent, Walsh, Corry, Jenkin and Van Werven.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Removes the requirement for cottage food businesses to place their business address on product labels and instead requires inclusion of the cottage food permit number.

Hearing Date: 1/17/20

Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).

Background:

Under the state cottage food program, a person may produce certain food products that are not potentially hazardous in a home kitchen for direct sale to a consumer. Examples of cottage food products are baked goods, jams, jellies, fruit butters, and preserves. In order to operate a cottage food business, a person must obtain a cottage food permit from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The WSDA issues a unique number for each cottage food permit.

Cottage food products must be packaged and properly labeled with certain information including: the address of the cottage food business; the name and ingredients of the product, including any allergen identification; and the product's net weight or volume. The label must also include a disclosure that the product was made in a home kitchen that was not subjected to standard inspection criteria.

Summary of Bill:

Instead of including the business address on the label of its cottage food products, a business must include the Department of Agriculture-issued cottage food permit number.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.