No, your pickle is not illegal in Idaho. This query likely references a persistent urban myth claiming Idaho law requires pickles to “bounce” to a certain height when dropped—a supposed test for ripeness or quality—but no such statute exists in state food codes.
Actual Food Laws
Idaho follows the FDA Food Code via IDAPA 16.02.19, regulating food safety in establishments like restaurants and cottage food operations, with strict rules for time/temperature control (TCS) foods, canning (21 CFR 113 compliance), and hygiene to prevent contamination. Cottage foods—non-TCS items like baked goods, jams, candies, dried fruits, nuts, and popcorn—can be sold from home kitchens without a license if low-risk, but commercial pickles (being TCS due to acidity/fermentation needs) require licensed processing to meet pH/salinity standards.
Myth Origins
The “bouncing pickle” tale appears in viral “dumb laws” lists but stems from outdated or fabricated agricultural inspection lore, not enforceable code; Idaho has no unique pickle bounce test. Real quirks include exemptions for low-risk farmers’ market vendors and outfitters serving non-TCS foods sporadically.
