SB297 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rusty Glover

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Cottage food production operations, baked goods and roasted coffees, exempt from obtaining food service permit from health department, labeling of baked goods, other food items, food safety course required, Sec. 22-20-5.1 am'd.

Summary

SB 297 extends cottage food protections to home-based roasted coffee sellers, with labeling and food safety training requirements and income/direct-to-consumer limits.

What This Bill Does

If passed, it adds roasted coffee to the list of cottage foods that can be produced at home without a state or county food service permit. It sets a $20,000 annual sales cap and requires direct-to-consumer sales. It requires labeling of all listed foods (including roasted coffee) with the producer’s name, address, and a statement that the food is not inspected, and it requires the operator to complete a department-approved food safety course and maintain certification. It also clarifies that these operations are not food service establishments and restricts internet sales; the health department can act if a foodborne illness is suspected.

Who It Affects

• Home-based cottage food production operators who produce baked goods, jams/jellies, candies, dried herbs/herb mixes, and now roasted coffee, with annual sales of $20,000 or less and direct-to-consumer sales.
• Consumers who buy these cottage foods from home-based operators, who will receive labeled products that state they are not inspected.

Key Provisions

• Roasted coffee is added to the list of cottage foods eligible for home production protections.
• Defines Cottage Food Production Operation, home, and related terms; requires annual gross income of $20,000 or less and direct-to-consumer sales.
• Cottage food operations are not food service establishments and do not require a food service permit from health authorities.
• Health department can issue stop sale, seize, or hold orders if a foodborne illness is suspected.
• Mandates labeling of baked goods, jams/jellies, candies, roasted coffees, and dried herbs/herb mixes, including name and address and a statement that the food is not inspected; operators must certify attendance and passage of a department-approved food safety course.
• Prohibits cottage food operations from selling these foods over the Internet.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health