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SB 2602

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 Steve Southerland

Tennessee raises the honey production threshold exempting producers from food safety inspections from 150 to 835 gallons annually, reducing regulatory burden for small beekeepers.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SB 2602

Legislative bill overview

SB 2602 raises the annual honey production threshold that triggers food manufacturing and inspection requirements from 150 gallons to 835 gallons per year. This exempts small-scale honey producers from state food safety regulations until they reach the higher production volume.

Why is this important

The change directly affects Tennessee's beekeeping industry, particularly hobbyist and small commercial producers who sell honey locally. It reduces regulatory burden and compliance costs for producers operating below the new threshold, potentially encouraging small business growth in the apiculture sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Food safety concerns: Critics may argue that exempting producers from inspection requirements until 835 gallons creates a gap where honey could reach consumers without meeting safety standards, though honey's naturally long shelf life and low bacterial growth environment mitigate some risk
  • Competitive fairness: Larger producers already subject to inspections may view the exemption as creating unequal market conditions favoring small producers who avoid compliance costs
  • Threshold justification: The specific jump from 150 to 835 gallons (456% increase) may lack clear scientific or public health rationale—unclear why this particular number was selected over other options

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

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