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HB 1825

Food and Food Products - As enacted, increases from 150 gallons to 835 gallons the annual threshold amount of honey at or above which a honey producer is subject to food manufacturing and inspection requirements. - Amends TCA Title 44, Chapter 15 and Title 53.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Renea Jones

Tennessee bill raises honey producer inspection threshold from 150 to 835 gallons annually, exempting more small producers from food safety regulations.

Comp. SB subst.
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Bill Summary · HB 1825

Legislative bill overview

HB 1825 raises the annual honey production threshold that triggers mandatory food manufacturing and inspection requirements from 150 gallons to 835 gallons. This means smaller honey producers can operate without meeting these regulatory standards until they exceed the higher threshold.

Why is this important

The change significantly expands the number of honey producers exempt from state food safety inspections and manufacturing regulations. This affects both consumer safety protections and the competitive landscape between small-scale and commercial honey operations in Tennessee.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer safety concerns: Higher thresholds mean less regulatory oversight of a food product that can carry botulism risk, particularly for infant consumption
  • Small business impact: The exemption may unfairly advantage small producers over those already meeting regulatory standards, or conversely, may reduce compliance costs for local beekeepers
  • Regulatory consistency: The 835-gallon figure lacks clear justification—it's roughly 5.5 times the current threshold, raising questions about the basis for this specific number

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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