Thu Sep 19 04:07:00 UTC 2024: ## State Legislatures Make Moves on Food Safety in 2024: Cottage Foods, Retail Safety and More

**Washington, D.C. -** In a year marked by a surge in food safety legislation across the nation, state lawmakers have introduced and passed a significant number of bills impacting everything from cottage food operations to meat inspection and retail food safety.

According to a report by Doug Farquhar, government affairs director for the National Environmental Health Association, a total of 250 food safety-related bills were introduced in 2024, with 41 ultimately enacted into law and 11 more awaiting gubernatorial approval.

**Focus on Cottage Foods and Food Freedom:**

One significant area of focus was on “food freedom” and cottage food operations. 12 bills were passed allowing individuals to prepare and sell certain food products from their homes, with variations in regulations and permissible products across states.

**Retail Food Safety and Consumer Protection:**

Several states also implemented new regulations aimed at enhancing retail food safety and consumer protection. California passed a bill requiring food delivery services to provide the name and picture of the delivery driver. Maryland enacted legislation requiring baby food manufacturers to test for toxic heavy metals, and New York implemented an educational program on food safety standards for retail stores.

**Other Notable Legislation:**

* Several states, including Colorado and Virginia, focused on addressing food insecurity and expanding access to nutritious meals, particularly for low-income families and students.
* Legislation addressing the sale of raw milk, cultivated meat, and imported seafood was also passed in several states.
* Arizona enacted a bill requiring the labeling of cottage food products with the preparer’s registration number and a list of ingredients.

This legislative activity highlights a growing awareness of food safety issues and the importance of regulatory updates across the country. It also underscores the crucial role of state legislatures in shaping food safety policies that impact consumers, businesses, and communities.

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