Legislature(2011 - 2012)BARNES 124
04/09/2012 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB326 | |
| HB202 | |
| HB259 | |
| SB122 | |
| SB51 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 326 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 202 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 259 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 266 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 122 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 51 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 202-SALES OF FOOD BY PRODUCERS TO CONSUMERS
3:24:24 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 202, "An Act relating to the sale of food
products by the producer to the consumer."
3:24:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON, Alaska State Legislature,
explained that HB 202 has been substantially changed and
disallows any food product that has an animal origins - raw or
heat-treated products - which will eliminate meats, seafood, and
dairy products. She pointed out that she went one step further
to disallow food products that require time or temperature
controls to keep foods safe for human consumption from being
sold by a producer [in a proposed committee substitute not taken
up]. She highlighted that the focus was narrowed to address
samples and food products and listing food products that could
be sold. She recapped that she would like the proposed DEC
regulations out prior to the farmers' markets begin this season.
She referred to research in members' packets that indicates some
markets start in April. She hoped the department would respond
with dates for the adoption of the proposed regulations.
3:25:53 PM
KRISTIN RYAN, Director, Division of Environmental Health,
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that the
amendments to the Alaska food code under 18 AAC 31 are currently
at Department of Law (DOL) for a final review with the
regulations attorney, Steve Weaver. She has held some
conversations with the DOL so she is aware the department is
current working to review the proposed regulations.
CHAIR OLSON asked for an estimate of when the regulations will
be completed.
MS. RYAN explained the schedule, such that the DOL will complete
its review this week, the regulations will be returned briefly
to the DEC's Commissioner, before being submitted to the
Lieutenant Governor's office, and the regulations will be
finalized 30 days after filing.. She pointed out that during
that time the DEC will have time to work with the U.S.
Cooperative Extension Service (CES) offices to develop brochures
to prepare people for changes that will affect sellers.
3:28:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON related that she would like to hold the
bill to allow her time to contact farmers' market sellers during
the legislative interim. She explained that she hopes people
will have time to utilize the new DEC regulations. She inquired
as to whether people will be subject to fines as these new, but
more friendly regulations go into effect. She asked for the
process the DEC will use to educate people.
3:28:43 PM
MS. RYAN reiterated that the department is already working with
the CES and the University of Alaska Fairbanks to develop
pamphlets and brochures to explain rules for the cottage food
industry, including what can be sold, the location of test
kitchens, and any items that need permitting. She characterized
the CES as an outreach arm of food preparedness. She advised
that as soon as the regulations are signed by the Lieutenant
Governor the DEC will be able to publicize them.
3:29:46 PM
CHAIR OLSON remarked that the sponsor is smiling.
[HB 202 was held over.]