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SB 1821

Health, Dept. of - As introduced, removes certain listed nonprofits from the definition of food service establishment without regard to whether volunteer personnel for such listed nonprofits prepared, served, transported, or stored the food on consecutive or nonconsecutive days. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 14.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Exempts specified nonprofits from food service regulations regardless of volunteer staffing frequency, reducing health inspection requirements for nonprofit food preparation.

Companion House Bill substituted
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Bill Summary · SB 1821

Legislative bill overview

SB 1821 exempts certain listed nonprofits from Tennessee's food service establishment regulations, regardless of whether their volunteer staff prepare, serve, transport, or store food on consecutive or nonconsecutive days. This removes a frequency-based distinction that previously determined regulatory oversight for these organizations.

Why is this important

Food service regulations exist to protect public health by ensuring safe food handling practices. This bill potentially reduces health inspections and safety requirements for nonprofit organizations—meaning food prepared by volunteers at nonprofits could face less regulatory scrutiny than commercial food operations or previously-regulated nonprofit programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health concerns: Reducing oversight of volunteer-prepared food could increase foodborne illness risks if volunteers lack food safety training or facilities don't meet sanitation standards
  • Undefined scope: The bill references "certain listed nonprofits" but doesn't specify which organizations qualify, creating ambiguity about which entities receive exemptions
  • Unequal standards: Commercial food businesses and regulated nonprofits remain subject to inspections while exempted nonprofits do not, potentially creating disparate safety standards for similar activities

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

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