Health Department updates cottage food regulations and training requirements for home producers

The House Agriculture Committee convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss significant updates to Vermont's food manufacturing regulations, particularly focusing on the introduction of a new category for cottage food products. The meeting aimed to clarify definitions and establish guidelines for home-based food operations, which are increasingly popular among local producers.

The first major topic addressed was the legislative intent behind the new cottage food product category. This category allows individuals to produce and sell certain food items from their home kitchens without the need for extensive licensing, provided their gross sales do not exceed $30,000 annually. The definitions outlined include "cottage food operation," which refers to a food manufacturing establishment operating from a private home, and "cottage food operator," defined as an individual producing or packaging these products.

The committee provided examples of acceptable cottage food products, which include non-hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies, dried herbs, and certain canned goods, such as pickles made under specific safety guidelines. However, items requiring refrigeration, like quiches or cheesecakes, are excluded from this category.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of cleanliness and sanitation training for food manufacturing operators. The committee emphasized that while in-person training is not mandatory, operators must complete training, which could be offered electronically. This requirement aims to ensure that all food producers maintain high safety standards.

Another key point was the fee structure for food manufacturing establishments. Non-bakery operations with gross receipts of $10,000 or less will remain exempt from licensing fees, while cottage food operations will have a higher threshold of $30,000 for exemption. This change aims to simplify the regulatory process for small-scale producers.

The committee also clarified that while cottage food operators are exempt from certain licensing fees, they must still register with the health department and submit a licensing exemption filing annually. This filing will include an attestation of completed training, ensuring compliance with health regulations.

In response to concerns about the timing of these new regulations, the committee discussed the potential for emergency rules to be enacted, allowing the new exemptions to take effect in time for the summer farmers' markets. This would enable local producers to benefit from the updated regulations without delay.

Overall, the meeting underscored Vermont's commitment to supporting its growing cottage food industry while ensuring food safety and public health standards are upheld. The committee plans to continue refining these regulations and will seek input from the health department to facilitate a smooth implementation process.