TITLE 3: HUMAN RESOURCES
§ 27101
DIVISION 2: HEALTH
§ 27101. Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter: (a) “Time/Temperature Control (TCS) for Safety Food” means a food that requires time/temperature control for safety to limit pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation. This definition is inclusive of: (1) An animal food that is raw or heat-treated; a plant food that is heattreated or consists of raw seed sprouts, cut melons, cut leafy greens, cut tomatoes or mixtures of cut tomatoes that are not modified in a way so that they are unable to support pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation, or garlic-in-oil mixtures that are not modified in a way so that they are unable to support pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation. (b) “Non-TCS Foods” means any food that does not meet the definition described in subsection (a). (c) “Cottage Food Operations” (CFO) means a home-based non-TCS food business that produces and sells non-perishable, low-risk foods such as baked goods, jams, and dry snacks. (d) “Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation” (MEHKO) means a homebased business that prepares and sells freshly cooked meals directly to consumers. (e) “Direct sales” means sales made directly to consumers, including in-person transactions, farmers’ markets, and local online sales. (f) “EHDP” means the CHCC Environmental Health Disease Prevention. (g) “Indirect sales” means sales made through third-party businesses such as retail stores, cafés, and grocery stores. Source: PL 24-22, § 3 (Jan. 8, 2026). Commission Comment: PL 24-22, under Section 2, cited this Act as the “Cottage Food and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations Act of 2025.” Additionally, it contained the following findings and purpose: Section 3. Findings and Purpose. The Legislature acknowledges that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is presently in a state of economic decline that is seemingly deteriorating, given the idling tourism industry, which the Commonwealth depends solely on. Furthermore, this depressed economic state adversely impacts the well-being and sustainability of all citizens and many business owners throughout the islands, making it difficult to remain afloat. The Legislature finds that many small businesses within the Commonwealth can generate revenue using their culinary talents performed within their homes; however, it is difficult absent the necessary regulations in place. The Legislature further finds that allowing the sale of NonTime/Temperature Control (TCS) for Safety Food within the
§ 27101
TITLE 3: HUMAN RESOURCES
DIVISION 2: HEALTH Commonwealth would assist small businesses that are at risk of shutting their doors due to the negative economic impact. Therefore, the purpose of this legislation is to support small food entrepreneurs by allowing the sale of non-TCS meals prepared at residential kitchens, while ensuring food safety through reasonable regulations.