HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Passed House:
February 12, 2020
Title: An act relating to cottage food product labeling requirements.
Brief Description: Concerning cottage food product labeling requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Eslick, Leavitt, Chambers, Callan, Dent, Walsh, Corry, Jenkin, Van Werven, Shewmake, Young and Wylie.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources: 1/17/20, 1/24/20 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/12/20, 95-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE, & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Shewmake, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chapman, Dye, Fitzgibbon, Lekanoff, Orcutt, Ramos, Schmick, Springer and Walsh.
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 Washington State 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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The prime sponsor became aware of the Cottage Food Program (Program) through her work with entrepreneurs. Many constituents want to take the opportunity to take part in the Program. Some are young mothers, who have concerns with the requirement to place their home address on the label of their products. The prime sponsor has worked with the departments of Health and Agriculture on this concept.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Eslick, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.