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ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN TO READ AND FILE THE COMMUNICATION CALLING FOR A WORKSHOP REGARDING THE CREATION OF A PACKAGED GOODS VENDOR PERMIT FOR LOW-RISK, SEALED FOOD PRODUCERS.
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WHEREAS: the City of New Haven seeks to promote economic opportunity by supporting small businesses and early-stage entrepreneurs, including producers of consumer packaged goods; and
WHEREAS: small-batch makers of consumer packaged foods produced in licensed commercial kitchens such as pickles, hot sauces, jams, teas, coffee, and other sealed, pre-packaged, shelf-stable items are already subject to state public health regulation, including applicable inspection and labeling requirements; and
WHEREAS: under current local licensing practice, such packaged goods producers may be required to obtain the same licenses and approvals required of full-service caterers and temporary food operators, which can result in startup costs exceeding $1,000 in fees before selling a single packaged item; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the New Haven Board of Alders that a workshop is held to examine the potential creation of a Packaged Goods Vendor for low-risk, sealed consumer packaged goods producers, including any related exemptions, conditions, and fee adjustments; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED for purposes of the workshop discussion, a proposed permit framework shall be considered that includes: (i) establishing eligibility for producers of sealed consumer packaged goods; (ii) providing that pre-packaged goods businesses that do not offer samples are not required to obtain a temporary food permit or catering license, including consideration of a $0 annual fee category for such non-sampling activity; and (iii) preserving oversight through continued adherence to state inspections, state labeling laws, applicable state cottage food rules, and compliance with the City’s Vendor/Hawker’s License requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that said workshop should include, but not be limited to, Alders, Economic Development, Health Department, Building Department, and other pertinent city departments necessary; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that as said workshop was held by the Health and Human Services Committee on February 27, 2026 this Order and related communication be and hereby be read and filed.