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Permanent LinkMeeting Public Comments
Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:
A bill for an act providing for the sale and distribution of certain food, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.
Subcommittee members: Latham-CH, Levin, Meggers
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Location: RM 304
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
Comments Submitted:
02-17-2026
Linda Schneider
I'm opposed to this bill for many reasons, but the section on home canning is especially appalling. I learned canning from some very science based canners. The lack of regulations concerning home canned and cottage foods here is really scary. Our teachers have taught us about botulism and it's effects on people. I won't buy others' canned food at farmers markets because of the risks associated with improper canning methods. Some of the processes described to me by area canners selling goods are scary. If some of them haven't gotten people sick, they have just been lucky. Please vote NO on this bill.
02-18-2026
Norma Ewinger
I am absolutely opposed to this bill for multiple reasons. First there are the documented problems with raw milk from the farm. Why would you want to go back in time? Second, I won't buy home canned items today from a farmers market because I don't know how it was canned. If not done correctly, you can get seriously ill from botulism. With this bill, it's almost like you are trying to make us sick which seems to be the opposite of what you should be doing. I believe in farm to table but that means fresh produce grown locally which I then prepare.
02-18-2026
Ann Tigges
I am opposed to this bill. As a trained microbiologist I have serious concerns about rolling back safety requirements for canned goods and making unpasteurized milk available for sale. Without proper sanitation methods in place individuals consuming these foods could because seriously ill or worse if the individuals are young, immunocompromised or elderly. We must maintain food safety standards to protect people from easily preventable diseases. I encourage the committee to vote no.