The Pickle Bill

[woodsy]

Some states are trying to relax laws regarding sale of some home made food
products with out a license.
After reading the newspaper article, feel free to comment.

Federal and state laws require that most food sold to the public be made in licensed facilities open to government inspectors. But as more people become interested in buying local food, a few states have created exemptions for amateur chefs who sell homemade goods at farmers markets and on small farms.


The exemptions have touched off a debate about how to balance the need for food safety with a dose of regulatory common sense. Supporters say they recognize food safety regulations designed for big commercial food handlers can be a burden for small-time cooks who just want to make a few extra bucks selling canned goods or other specialty products. Opponents say that without regulation, the public is at risk for food-borne illnesses.

I would buy products locally if i liked what i saw at the place of sale or knew and trusted where the product came from..
What do you think ?

[Danaus29]

I have and will continue to buy from small time kitchen cooks. Govt oversight and FDA regulations are a joke anyway.

[SirDude]

I have too many views on this, but it's a big interest to me since down the road I too would like to sell some of my Mom's recipes.

Like Danaus29 said, the FDA, etc is messed up. I know we need safety, and that's why I said I have too many views on this. I want my product and the products I buy to be safe, but I don't want to jump through hoops to get them to the market.

Now as far as buying local, there are some products I have seen at the local arts and craft fairs around here that I question big time. Anything "creamy" I am all scared off. I got sick a long time ago and it's stuck with me ever since. Now things like Jerky, Salsa, etc, I have no problem if the vendor is clean and seems to be knowledgeable in safety, etc.

I do hope the gov't does come up with some kind of basic system, but that usually turns into more rules over time and the next thing we know we're as reg'ed as the big guys again.

[Patt]

“The two major failures in food production are temperature control and personal hygiene,” said Robert Harrington, director of the Casper-Natrona County Health Department in Casper, Wyo. “If someone says they shouldn’t have to follow regulations because they’re making food in their home, I’d say, ’Why is your home so safe that it doesn’t need that level of oversight and control?”

Too funny and this guy is actually a food inspector? My kitchen is cleaner than any restaurant I ever worked in......

[watcher]

I look at it this way, let the people buy from who ever they wish. Just make sure the seller has enough insurance to cover all the medical bills if someone gets sick from their cooking.