I can see both sides of this issue- it seems the authorities could have sat down with these people and told them what is required for their operation to be legal, and given them copies of laws and ordinances that pertain to what they are doing. The idea of food co-ops, bartering of food- selling certain food items directly to the public are all gray areas in food laws. Most food laws are aimed at retail food sales and it seems these people think they are not (the authorities think they are) retail selling food.
Food laws are important to protect people from many diseases and food-born illnesses- especially when it comes to meat. Laws regarding beef have become a really big deal since the fear of mad cow disease and the authorities wanting to track beef at every step in the chain so if Mad Cow disease is discovered it can be rapidly determined exactly where it came from. The laws are probably over-kill and over-reaching since it is the government after all, but some enforcement is definately needed to protect the public.
>>>>>>the authorities could have sat down with these people and told them what is required for their operation to be legal, and given them copies of laws and ordinances that pertain to what they are doing.<<<<<<<
I’d agree with you in theory but in my area “the government” is generally not so accomodating, especially if you have already challenged them when they tried to gain your legal compliance and you refused.
Also where I’m from it is generally *my* duty and obligation to understand the laws, and to seek legal counsel if I do not.
I’ve had a business for 10 years and have *never* had a state or local authority “sit down to tell me what is legal”.
If they ever do that I shall promptly fall to the floor in shock.