State Rep. Rick West files bill to protect privacy of homemade food producers

Rick West Bill Would Protect Privacy of Homemade Food Producers

OKLAHOMA CITY(Jan. 16th)  – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, has filed legislation that would amend the Homemade Food Freedom Act to protect the private information of producers.

House Bill 2975 would  allow producers of homemade food products to obtain a registration number to affix to their product labels instead of the current requirement that they list their name, phone number and the physical address where the food is produced on all products sold. The $15 registration fee would be voluntary.

"Requiring homemade food producers to put their names, personal phone numbers and home addresses on their products presents a privacy risk," West said. "Under this amendment, they would still have to provide their personal information to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, allowing consumers an outlet to still voice any concerns. But the producer's personal information would be protected."

West said the idea for the legislation came from a constituent that makes and sells homemade food products at local outlets such as farmers markets and local stores. The products would still have to list ingredients, including common allergens, as well as notice that they were produced in a private residence that is exempt from government licensing and inspection.

If signed into law, the act would become effective Nov. 1. The bill will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 5.

Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.