State Could Provide Breaks to Some Market Vendors

Amid the countless challenges facing small business owners looking to promote their products at area farmers markets are regulations requiring cooked foods to be prepared in a commercial kitchen.

But the Illinois House approved legislation this week that would allow some vendors to prepare the food in their home kitchens. The state Senate passed the bill earlier this month.

According to the Joliet Herald-News, supporters say the proposal will reduce food prices at farmers markets, and increase popularity. Opponents say it could lead to an outbreak of food-borne illness.

According to the language of the bill, there are measures to prevent that problem:

• The food must be designated as not potentially hazardous. See the text of the bill for a list of foods that do not meet that criteria, including certain jams, butters and more.
• The food must be sold at a farmers market.
• The vendor must have gross receipts of less than $25,000 per year.
• Food packaging must conform to the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
• Vendors must be registered with the local health department and certified by the Department of Public Health. They must also advertise at their booth that the product was made in a home kitchen.

In New Lenox and Mokena, the villages don't have to deal with the permits, regulations and costs and instead has Bensidoun USA, manage its French Markets. According to the Herald-News, the French Market increased its fee from $6 to $25 per event, further adding to the costs for vendors. But Besidoun's Midwest manager, Leslie Cahill, told the Herald-News she supports the bill for the opportunities it will provide them.

“It’s really a shame that small businesses don’t have an easier time having a go at it,” she said.