Lawmakers revise homemade food sales regulations and delivery requirements

House Bill 150, introduced in Louisiana on March 31, 2025, seeks to amend existing regulations governing the sale of homemade food. The bill aims to clarify and update provisions related to food preparation, labeling, and sales, while retaining many of the current laws.

One of the primary changes proposed by House Bill 150 is the requirement for homemade food preparers to exclude pets from any area of the residence where food is being prepared, but only during the preparation process. This modification aims to enhance food safety standards. Additionally, the bill allows for the sale of homemade food both in person and through remote channels such as the internet or telephone, expanding opportunities for local food entrepreneurs.

The bill retains existing requirements for the use of pasteurized milk products in homemade food and mandates clear labeling that includes the preparer's name, address, and contact information, along with a list of ingredients in descending order of predominance. This labeling requirement is intended to provide consumers with essential information about the products they purchase.

Notably, House Bill 150 also addresses the sale of potentially hazardous foods, establishing specific delivery requirements and time limitations to ensure safe food handling practices. It prohibits the sale of potentially hazardous foods for resale, while allowing non-potentially hazardous foods to be sold and shipped to retailers.

The bill repeals a provision that exempted homemade food preparers with gross annual sales of $30,000 or more from certain regulations, which may raise concerns among small business owners about increased compliance burdens. Furthermore, it modifies the existing requirement for sellers to collect applicable sales or use tax, emphasizing the importance of tax compliance in homemade food sales.

While the bill retains prohibitions on the sale of homemade foods containing cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol, it reflects a broader trend towards supporting local food producers and enhancing consumer safety. The implications of these changes could foster a more vibrant homemade food market in Louisiana, although the repeal of the sales threshold exemption may spark debate among small business advocates.

As House Bill 150 moves through the legislative process, stakeholders from the food industry and consumer advocacy groups are expected to weigh in on its potential impact, particularly regarding the balance between food safety and the economic viability of small-scale food producers. The bill's progress will be closely monitored as it could reshape the landscape for homemade food sales in the state.