ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN CALLING FOR A WORKSHOP REGARDING THE CREATION OF A PACKAGED GOODS VENDOR PERMIT FOR LOW-RISK, SEALED FOOD PRODUCERS.
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.
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.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that said working group should include, but not be limited to, Alders, Economic Development,...
Click here for full text