FOOD LAW:  HONEY SALES

House Bill 5843

Sponsor:  Rep. Vicki Barnett

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 5-4-10

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5843 AS INTRODUCED 2-18-10

The bill would provide an exemption from the licensing requirements of the Food Law of 2000 to a retail outlet for honey produced by "hobbykeepers" for retail sale at farmers markets, church bazaars, and school fairs.  This exemption would apply even though the processing facility that produced the honey was not licensed under the Food Law.   

The term "hobbykeeper" is not defined, but we assume that this refers to a person who keeps bees as a hobby. 

(Currently, there is an exemption for retail outlets that sell prepackaged honey or maple syrup produced in Michigan if the outlet is operated by the producer and the processing facility is licensed under the act.)  

This bill is similar to House Bill 6657 from the 2007-2008 Legislative Session, sponsored by Rep. Andy Meisner, which passed the House on December 4, 2008. 

MCL 289.4105

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no apparent fiscal impact. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.