§ 68-14-702 — Purposes of part

(a) It is the purpose of this part to ensure that foods served for public consumption in Tennessee are safe as prepared, served and delivered. (b) (1) It is the further purpose of this part that, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, and except as provided under subdivision (b)(2), this state is the exclusive regulator of food and drink, food and drink content, amount of food and drink content, and food and drink ingredients in this state, and a local government, as that term is defined in § 7-51-2001 , shall not impose a tax, fee, or otherwise regulate the wholesale or retail sale, manufacture, or distribution of any food or drink, food or drink content, amount of food or drink content, or food or drink ingredients, except as authorized under title 67, chapter 6, or § 67-4-504 , or pursuant to a contract with the department of agriculture. (2) This subsection (b) does not: (A) Prohibit a local government from regulating zoning, building codes, locations, hours of operation, or the issuance of permits, or from performing any other local governmental functions as authorized by existing state law, with respect to food and drink sellers and vendors, vending machine operators, food establishments, and food service establishments; or (B) Prohibit a local department of health from enforcing existing state laws and rules pursuant to a contract with the state department of health.

Legislative History

Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 158, s 3, eff. 4/12/2019. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 44, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1997 , ch. 493, § 3.