Plaistow — A citizen’s petition to amend Plaistow public‑health regulations to permit homestead food operations passed at the Feb. 1 deliberative session and will appear on the official ballot as amended. The amendment corrected a clerical reference to the state statute cited in the petition (RSA 143‑A:12).

The petitioner, Daniel Kane (64 Main Street), asked voters to permit “homestead food products” as defined under state law. Kane told the meeting that the petition would allow small‑scale sales of non‑potentially hazardous foods — for example, baked goods and similar products — and said many New Hampshire municipalities already allow such operations.

Why it matters: The change would allow residents to sell certain home‑produced foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen license, subject to state definitions and labeling requirements. Opponents raised public‑health concerns and asked for clarity on which foods are allowed; proponents said state law already limits higher‑risk items and requires labeling.

What was discussed
- State definitions and labeling: Kane and several supporters explained the petition follows RSA 143‑A:12 definitions; supporters noted that state guidance requires labeling with ingredients and allergen information, and that the law distinguishes exempt versus non‑exempt homestead activities.

- Food-safety concerns: Selectmen and some residents asked whether local health enforcement would have adequate tools if a problem occurred. Several residents — including Jessica Pelletier and Julie Labreck — argued the activity is low‑risk and that consumers can choose whether to purchase homemade goods.

Amendment and outcome
Town Clerk and the moderator noted a typographical omission in the petition’s statutory citations (the petition cited “RSA 143:12” where the state statute is coded as RSA 143‑A:12). The petitioner agreed to a small edit to add the missing “A” in the RSA references. As amended, the motion to place the petition on the ballot was seconded and the article as amended will appear on the March 11 ballot.

Next steps
The article as amended will be on the ballot March 11; if approved by voters it would change local public‑health regulations to permit homestead food operations consistent with the RSA definitions and state rulemaking. The town health officer and state guidance would remain reference points for labeling and allowable foods.

Ending note
The petition generated spirited discussion but the assembly accepted the technical correction and sent the amended article to the ballot. Voters who want more detail were directed to UNH Cooperative Extension guidance and the state RSA for the statutory definitions and labeling requirements.