Throughout our state and the 33rd Senatorial District, there are fundraising dinners held weekly, if not daily, all in the name of raising money for very deserving groups or people. To make that happen,
people come together to create a wonderful event, while keeping the costs down to maximize their profits.
I understand this. I have worked and had family work at these events. That is why I sponsored Senate Bill 525, and was pleased when the Senate passed the bill and sent it to the House. Senate Bill 525 modifies current law in relation to food preparation and production for charitable purposes. This legislation allows non-profit organizations and groups to prepare food in their homes, or other private facilities, for distribution to community members at charitable fundraising dinners.
It requires that the consumer be informed by a clearly visible placard at the serving location that the food was prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection by the regulatory authority. Organizers may also notify the regulating authority of the event and provide them with the time, day, location and name of the person organizing the event. This law does not apply in Jefferson, St. Louis or St. Charles counties, or in the City of St. Louis.
This legislation also allows cottage food production operations to be exempt from state health or food code laws. Additionally, local health departments are not allowed to regulate production of food at a cottage food production operation, but each local health department and the Department of Health and Senior Services shall maintain a record of complaints made against a cottage food production operation.
This is just common-sense legislation. It allows small in-home, food-based businesses to run their businesses, as they have been, without the oversight of the state. These businesses are doing a good job. If for any reason that changes, the state will have a record of complaints, and the business will lose customers if they neglect to maintain a high quality product. Accountability for the cottage food industry remains and we protect the practice of fundraising dinners for non-profits.
Welcoming Capitol Guests
This week I had many visitors stop by and say hello. Members of County Farm Bureau, Ozark Independent Living, from West Plains. I also had visitors from Ozarks Technical Community College, Hospice, Occupational Therapists, representatives from Kids Harbor and Kids First, Agape House from Mountain View and Tobacco Free Missouri.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.
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