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DHHS says using commercial kitchen equipment in homestead food operations poses no added food‑safety risk
Summary
A bill to clarify that homestead food operators may use commercial kitchen equipment for non‑potentially hazardous foods drew non‑opposed technical testimony from DHHS at a Committee on Commerce hearing.
Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 150, a bill that would clarify in statute that homestead food operations may use commercial kitchen equipment when preparing non‑potentially hazardous foods for sale.
Abby Rogers, legislative liaison for the Division of Public Health Services, told the committee the Department of Health and Human Services is not taking a position but can provide information. She said the department’s food‑safety regulations already permit commercial equipment if it is “appropriately cleaned and sanitized.” “We understand and agree that the proposed modification to be allowed to clarify to use, commercial kitchen equipment in the homestead, area, does not will not impact food safety,” Rogers said.
Representative Judy Aaron, who introduced the bill after an earlier sponsor could not attend, said the measure aims to remove confusion created when DHHS website guidance once stated homestead operators could not use commercial equipment. Aaron noted homestead operators can use commercial equipment that can be washed, rinsed and sanitized in the processing area; the bill would add this language to statute so future web guidance cannot create conflicting messages.
Senator Fenton asked how homestead kitchens are checked; Aaron said licensed homestead operations are inspected but unlicensed, exempt homestead food producers are not. Rogers agreed, saying “if they're not licensed, they do not have to be checked for safety or sanitation.” The Department told the committee the bill would not change the department’s anticipated workload or raise foodborne‑illness risks.
Supporters said clearer statute would help small producers avoid unnecessary expense and confusion—some have purchased many small household appliances because they believed commercial equipment was disallowed. No vote was taken at the hearing.
Why it matters: Sponsors and producers said statutory clarity would remove conflicting on‑line guidance and help safe, small‑scale entrepreneurs scale production when demand peaks without changing inspection or licensing regimes.
