HB12 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jamie KielRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
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: HB12 extends Alabama's cottage food exemptions to allow home production of roasted coffee and dry gluten-free baking mixes, with labeling and safety training requirements but no health department food service permit.
What This Bill Does
The bill lets home-based producers also make and sell roasted coffee and dry gluten-free baking mixes, in addition to existing cottage foods, as long as annual sales are $20,000 or less and sales are direct to consumers. It keeps cottage food operations outside the standard food service establishment regime and not under county health department permits, but allows action if a foodborne illness is suspected. It requires labeling of all cottage foods and completion of a department-approved food safety course, with labels showing the producer's name and address and a note that the product is not inspected; online sales would be prohibited.

Who It Affects
In-home cottage food operators who meet the income threshold and sell directly to consumers (now including roasted coffee and dry gluten-free baking mixes).
Consumers who buy these cottage foods, who will receive labeled products indicating they are not inspected and are purchased directly from the producer (not online).

Key Provisions
Extends cottage food protections to include in-home production of roasted coffee and dry gluten-free baking mixes, under the same exemption from health department regulation as existing cottage foods.
Adds labeling and safety training requirements for cottage foods, including the producer's name and address on labels, a statement that the product is not inspected, proof of completion of a department-approved food safety course, a $20,000 income cap, and direct-to-consumer sales (no internet sales).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Health