In May, 2013, the Nevada Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, the Farm-to-Fork Bill (AB 200), exempting certain farm-to-fork events as food establishments as defined in NRS 446. The law language is filed under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 446 and became effective July 1, 2013.

Farm-to-fork events, as allowed by AB200, are defined as events organized on a farm where prepared food is provided for immediate consumption to paying guests and that meets the requirements of section three of the act.

Section 3.5 of the act requires the operators of a farm wishing to host farm-to-fork events to register with the health authority. In Clark County the Southern Nevada Health District is the health authority.

A Farm-to-Fork Registration Application must be completed and submitted to foodrev@snhd.org at least one week prior to the event. The application will receive administrative review and will be approved based on compliance with the requirements of the act. A fee will be charged for this registration program. A formal letter will be sent advising the applicant that the farm-to-fork event is registered. No further correspondence will be sent and no inspection will occur.

The Southern Nevada Health District will evaluate the registration application package submitted for compliance with the following items as required by AB200:

• Food prepared for a farm-to-fork event is for immediate consumption only.
• Each guest must be provided with a notice which states that no inspection was conducted by a state or local heath department of the farm or the food.
• Any meat served must be inspected by USDA or under the requirements of chapter 583 of NRS.
• Food served at a farm-to-fork event must be prepared on the farm and from ingredients that are substantially produced on the farm.
• Only two events a month are allowed.

A farm which holds more than two events in any month that would otherwise qualify as farm-to-fork events becomes a food establishment for the remainder of that calendar year and is subject to all of the requirements of the Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Food Establishments.

If a complaint regarding illness, injury or adulterated food is received, an investigation will be conducted and determination made as to the validity of the complaint. If a complaint is confirmed, a complaint fee will be charged. In addition, if a full epidemiological investigation is conducted due to a foodborne illness compliant, the cost to the public for the investigation will be calculated and charged to the farm owners. It is highly recommended that applicants educate themselves in regard to safe food handling principles and practices. Visit the Food Establishment Resource Library for food safety information.