The Wyoming Department of Agriculture has proposed a new set of rules and regulations for folks who sell things like baked goods at places like farmer's markets.In a nutshell, the Department would start treating home-based goody-bakers (called "cottage food establishments") more like restaurants. The goal is to increase food safety, but at least one local vendor is afraid the new requirements would force most cooks to stop baking.
Are the regulations too burdensome? Check them out for yourself:
The changes would apply to two sections of law: the Wyoming Food, Drug & Cosmetic Safety Act (those proposed changes can be found in this PDF) and Wyoming's Food Safety Rules (that proposal can be found in this PDF). If that's too confusing, the PDFs can also be found on this page.
For those interested in the issue or interested in commenting, there'll be a public meeting in the Barling Room of the Park County Courthouse this Wednesday (the 16th) from 7 to 9 p.m. You can speak your piece there, or you can send your comments via email to Dean Finkenbinder at dfinke@state.wy.us.
If you do have thoughts, now's the time to say so: the public comment period closes this Friday (July 18th).
definitely cookie monsters, CJ
ReplyDeleteBuying stuff at a farmer's market is kind of like going in the mountains... It's usually a great experience, but there are no guarantees. At least that's the way it should be.
ReplyDeleteWe don't need heavy-handed regulations when it comes to farmer's markets. Let the vendors register with the state and leave it at that.
Given the choice, I'll take home-made bread purchased at a farmer's market any day over Wonder Bread. If people want guarantees when it comes to food safety, go to IGA or Blairs.
Absolutely,,, going to the farmers market is buying from friends and neighbors-you cannot regulate that...
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