Senate Committee Vote on Bateman Bill is ‘Sweet Treat’ for Home Bakers

Legislation allowing the sale of fresh baked goods from home kitchens advances

New Jersey is the only state that prohibits the sale of fresh baked goods made in private kitchens, but Senator Kip Bateman has been working to change that for more than 10 years.

Bateman’s legislation that would bring the state more in line with the rest of the country advanced today when the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee passed S-73.

“We still have a long way to go, but today’s committee vote is good news to hundreds of home bakers across the state who share the goal of turning their hobby into a sideline business,” said Bateman (R-16). “I am hopeful the Senate will see the benefits of making New Jersey more hospitable to home-based bakers who may grow over time and employ workers in commercial kitchens. This is the first step toward realizing the American dream for many state residents.”

The bipartisan bill would establish requirements to allow the direct sale of homemade breads, cakes, cookies and other goods. “Baked goods” as defined by the legislation are ready-to-eat baked items prepared in a private kitchen that do not require further cooking or refrigeration for food safety.

Under the bill, the health commissioner would produce a list of agencies to issue food service handler certification for bakers.

“Bakers in their own kitchens can prepare sweet treats for sale at fund-raisers, and there’s no reason they can’t bake the same foods to sell locally to make some extra money to help pay for their New Jersey taxes,” said Bateman. “The priority is food safety, and that is addressed in this bill. Every precaution is taken to ensure the health and safety of the general public.”

S-73 is also sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Republican Senators Mike Doherty and Gerry Cardinale.

Bateman first introduced similar legislation in 2009 and he has been a tireless advocate for home bakers.