HCS/SS/SB 525 - This act modifies provisions relating to food preparation. CHARITABLE PURPOSE (Section 196.056) This act allows a nonprofit organization to prepare food, in a private home or other area, for distribution to the end consumer at a charitable fundraising event. The consumer may be informed by a clearly visible placard at the serving location that the food was prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection by the regulatory authority. Also, the nonprofit organization may notify the regulatory authority in writing or via email prior to the beginning of the event. If made, such notification shall include the following: name of the nonprofit organization; date, time, and location of the event; name and contact information of the person responsible for the event. This act does not apply to a food establishment that is regulated by the Department of Health and Senior Services that provides food for the event. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services or local health departments to conduct an investigation of a foodborne disease or outbreak. Also, the provisions of this act shall not apply to Jefferson County, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Boone County, Clay County or the City of St. Louis. COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCTION (Section 196.298) This act allows cottage food production operations to be exempt from state health or food code laws. Additionally, local health departments are not allowed to regulate production of food at a cottage food production operation, but each local health department and the Department of Health and Senior Services shall maintain a record of complaints made against a cottage food production operation. Nothing in this act shall be construed to prohibit the authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services or local health departments to conduct an investigation of a foodborne disease or outbreak. This act is substantially similar to HCS #2/HBs 1100 & 1421 (2014). ADRIANE CROUSE