Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho that would exempt raw, unprocessed honey from Department of Health cottage food regulations was approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Steven Oroho that would exempt raw, unprocessed honey from Department of Health cottage food regulations was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. (Pixabay)

“For far too long, beekeepers have been subject to unnecessary government red tape that prevents them from easily distributing fresh, unprocessed honey,” said Oroho (R-24). “My legislation will exempt raw honey from these needless Department of Health regulations so that beekeepers and farmers can get their product to the public in an efficient manner.”

Under Oroho’s bill, S-2697, honey that is raw and has not been processed, infused, or pasteurized will not be considered a “cottage food product” and will therefore be exempt from Department of Health food regulations.

Under current law, cottage food product means non-TCS food that a cottage food operator prepares. A non-TCS food does not need time and temperature controls to remain safe for consumption.