The Montana Local Food Choice Act, which was passed in 2021, is now facing a legal challenge. The law loosens restrictions on homemade food producers to make it easier for smaller outfits to operate in the state.
But now, a new lawsuit threatens to reimpose many of the regulations that prevent these small businesses from competing with larger enterprises.
The Local Food Choice Act deregulates certain homemade food producers by exempting them from onerous food licensure, certification, packaging, labeling, and inspection regulations. It also waived other standards and requirements. The purpose of the act is to encourage the sale and consumption of homemade food and products by removing the obstacles caused by excessive mandates. It would also promote the expansion of agricultural sales from ranchers, farms, and home-based producers and make it easier for consumers to procure…
