State of Illinois Food Processing and Labeling Rules and Regulations

PLEASE NOTE THAT ON JULY 13, 2010 GOVERNOR QUINN SIGNED AN AMENDMENT ILLINOIS FOOD, DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT. THIS AMENDMENT GOES INTO AFFECT JANUARY 1, 2011 AND WILL CHANGE MUCH OF THE INFORMATION NOTED BELOW. THE ISBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE DRAFTING NEW GUIDELINES FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP THAT WILL WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AMENDMENT. THESE PENDING UPDATES WILL BE POSTED HERE PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2011. TO VIEW FULL DETAILS ON THIS AMENDMENT, PLEASE SEE THE NEWS AND EVENTS SECTION OF THIS WEBPAGE.

OVERVIEW

  1. The Illinois State Beekeepers Association, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Public Health, has assembled this information.
  2. This information is intended to serve as a general guide to the basic rules and regulations pertaining to the 'processing' of Honey.
  3. Honey sold within its original Honey comb is not considered a 'processed' food by the State of Illinois (even if the comb is cut and placed within a box or jar for sale).
  4. Honey that is removed from its comb and sold is considered a 'processed' food by the State of Illinois.
  5. The State of Illinois defines 'processed food' as any food that has been manipulated and or has come into contact with processing equipment (buckets, extractors, bottling equipment, etc.).
  6. All processed foods must be processed within a facility that was built and is maintained in accordance with State of Illinois food processing rules and regulations.
  7. Illinois law states that in order for an individual to sell Honey, either Wholesale or Retail, he/she must process (uncap, extract and bottle) their Honey in an inspected facility that meets inspection criteria.
    • Retail = You sell directly to the end consumer (farmer's markets, road-side stands, etc.).
    • Wholesale = You sell to a company or to someone who in-turn sells it directly to the end consumer (grocery store, bottler, packer, etc).
  8. If you are unable (for any reason) to build, maintain and own your own 'Honey Processing Facility', you may be able to utilize any one of the following:
    • Form a Honey Coop to share the costs of a Processing Facility shared among many Beekeepers
    • Rent an existing, inspected 'honey house' from a Beekeeper
    • Rent an existing, inspected kitchen from a local school or restaurant to process your Honey
    • There are 'Kitchens for Rent' throughout Illinois for this very purpose
  9. Regardless of your processing facility, be sure to carry a copy of the facilities inspection report in case you are asked to show it at a Farmer's Market or other sales outlet.
  10. Honey is not required to be 'Pasteurized' by the State of Illinois or the Food and Drug Administration (this is due to its natural, inherent anti-bacterial capacity).
  11. The State of Illinois Department of Public Health writes and maintains the Illinois food processing rules and regulations as well as inspects food processing facilities state-wide.
  12. The Health Departments of local municipalities (cities, towns and villages) regulate who may sell processed foods by requiring sellers to show proof of an inspected processing facility.
  13. All Beekeepers who sell at Retail and or Wholesale levels are required to follow the rules and regulations below to process their Honey as well as maintain an inspected processing facility.
  14. The Federal Food and Drug Administration has specific labeling requirements that must be followed when labeling your Honey for sale (see 'Resources' below).
  15. Please see the 'Educational Materials' section the ISBA website for additional information on extraction, starting in Beekeeping and other information.
PROCESSING AND LABELING RESOURCES
  1. Guidelines for Sanitary Manufacture, Processing, Packaging or Holding of Honey (Technical Release #22)
  2. Sanitation Guidelines for Farmers Markets, Producer Markets and Other Outdoor Food Sales Events (Technical Information Bulletin/Food #30)
  3. Farmers Market Sanitation Guidelines Brochure (PDF)
  4. Sanitary Food Preparation Act (410 ILCS 650)
  5. Food and Drug Administration (Guide to Nutrition Labeling and Education Act Requirements)
CONTACT INFORMATION
  1. State Processing Rules and Regulations:
    Elizabeth Watkins
    Illinois Department of Public Health
    Food Processing Program Coordinator
    E-Mail: Elizabeth.Watkins@Illinois.gov
    Phone: 217.782.7532
  2. Illinois Department of Public Health ~ Regional Offices (contact your local, regional office to arrange for a processing facility inspection)
  3. Illinois Department of Public Health ~ Department Website
  4. Food and Drug Administration ~ Website

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