Interesting details on legislation passed in 2015. It would be nice if they actually allowed the butchering and sale of meat outside animal processing facilities that have to pay for federal regulators to be present. Consequently, consumers should be allowed to have freedom to buy from local ranchers that butcher their own livestock who I would personally trust more than the large meat processing megacorp installations spraying chemicals on the meat. But this does allow for raw milk which we purchase from a local rancher which is far superior to store bought milk with a lot of its nutrition destroyed with heat. Here is a very nice write up on the nutrition of milk and how it can be affected by feed and heat in pasteurization.
https://uwyoextension.org/uwnutrition/newsletters/wyoming-food-freedom-act/
There are so many questions about the Wyoming Food Freedom Act that was passed by the Wyoming Legislature and became effective on March 3, 2015. The general purpose of the Act is to allow for the sale and consumption of homemade foods. With our upcoming Farmers Markets, I have been getting questions about “Can I make __” or “What are the regulations now on ___?”
Below are some of the questions and answers that have been made public and perhaps will answer some of your questions.
Where can the producer sell their food?
A sale and delivery may take place at a farm, ranch, farmers market, office, or any location agreed to between the producer and the informed end consumer.
What is an “informed end consumer?”
An “informed end consumer” is a person who is the last to purchase any product, who does not resell the product, and who has been informed that the product is not licensed, regulated, or inspected.
What is a “farmers market?”
A “farmers market” is a common facility or area where several vendors may gather on a regular, recurring basis to sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally grown farm products, and other items directly to consumers.
Is one vendor a farmers market?
No.
Are roadside stands allowed under the Food Freedom Act?
The Food Freedom Act does not specifically prohibit roadside stands.
What is “homemade” food?
“Homemade” food is food that is prepared in a private home kitchen that is not licensed, inspected, or regulated.
What types of homemade foods are allowed?
Produce and home-processed foods that are processed without meat or wild game (except for poultry and poultry products).
Can poultry and poultry products be sold under this act?
Yes, as long as the producer stays under the United States Department of Agriculture poultry exemption of less than 1,000 birds.
Does this Act allow the sale of raw milk and products made from raw milk?
Yes.
Can these products be sold to a licensed establishment?
No, except for raw, unprocessed fruit and vegetables. Food shall not be sold or used in any commercial food establishment unless the food has been labeled, licensed, packaged, regulated, or inspected as required by law.
Can meat such as beef, pork, lamb, or goat be sold under this act?
No. Meat and meat products must be processed and labeled in a state or federal meat plant.
Can a producer sell a live animal intended for slaughter?
Yes.
Can the sale of portions of animals for future delivery be made at a farmers market, farm, ranch, or private home?
Yes, provided that the processing of the portion of the animal is done by a Wyoming or federally inspected and licensed processing facility.
Can out-of-state producers sell in Wyoming?
No. Transactions shall not involve interstate commerce.
Can a person cater out of their home under this act?
Under the Act, a producer may only cater to a private home.
Can a home producer do internet sales under this Act?
Yes, but only for delivery within Wyoming.
Do ungraded eggs still have to meet the requirements of the Wyoming Food Rule?
Yes, but the Wyoming Food Rule already allowed sales of ungraded eggs consistent with existing USDA Federal Regulations and exemptions. Sales of ungraded eggs was and remains legal. Eggs must be clean and refrigerated. If desired, clean cartons in good condition may be reused if all labeling from original use is marked out. The carton should be labeled with the name and address of the producer, a packaging date and state “ungraded” and “keep refrigerated.”
Does the Act permit the Wyoming Department of Health to investigate any food-borne illnesses?
Yes.
This Act changes a lot of the ways we have been doing business, so when in doubt, please contact your local Wyoming food inspector. For their contact information, please contact your local Extension office.
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator