Notwithstanding this part to the contrary, a vendor at a farmers market is not required to obtain a license or permit to offer samples for consumption on the premises of the farmers market. Samples may include fresh produce; value-added products; foods prepared in a licensed and inspected kitchen; foods produced pursuant to §§ 53-1-102, 53-1-118, and 53-1-204; and hot food prepared on site by a farmers market food unit, if the vendor complies with the following requirements:
(1) Samples must be prepared on clean surfaces;(2) Food must be in good, sound condition, free from spoilage, filth, or other contamination;(3) Food must be honestly presented and safe for human consumption;(4) Cut produce should be discarded after two (2) hours;(5) Persons preparing or dispensing samples must wash their hands frequently or have and use disposable gloves;(6) A barrier must be maintained between hands and food, such as gloves, tongs, toothpicks, or napkins; and(7) Sneeze guards or plastic or glass coverings are required to protect open food products from contamination, such as insects, dirt, and customers.Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 475, s 2, eff. 1/1/2024.