Establishes the New York calcium purchasing preference initiative

2 Co-sponsors

• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Antoine M. Thompson

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law and the education law, in relation to establishing the New York calcium purchasing preference initiative

Purpose

To ensure that purchasing agents give preference to calcium fortified foods and beverages over non-fortified products in all public institutions.

Summary of provisions

The bill adds a new subdivision 5-c to section 16 of the agriculture and markets law, as well as a new subdivision 41 to section 305 of the education law. This bill will provide for the commissioners of the New York State Departments of Education, and Agriculture and Markets to work together in carrying out the mission of the New York Calcium Purchasing Preference Initiative, which instructs purchasing agents to give preference to food and beverages that (1) contain a higher level of calcium than products of the same type and quality; and (2) are equal to or lower in price than products of the same type and quality. Under this bill, a purchasing agent shall not be required to purchase a high calcium food or beverage for any governmental entity if such preferred food or beverage will interfere with the treatment or care of any person.

Existing law

Purchasing agents are not currently required to give preference to calcium enriched foods or beverages as instructed in this bill.

Justification

Calcium deficiencies are an epidemic, costing billions of dollars per year, every year. Indeed, calcium deficient diets are found in all generations, races and genders. The diseases now known to be associated with calcium deficient diets are osteoporosis, childhood and pregnancy related hypertension (pre-eclampsia), obesity, colon cancer, PMS, post-partum depression, kidney stone formation and polycystic ovary disease. "Calcium is one of two nutrients that has been singled out by the federal government as constituting a sufficiently severe deficiency as to warrant national attention" (Robert Reany, MD, FACP, FAIN, co-author Indiana Calcium Initiative Consensus Statement) (ICICS).

Legislative history

2001-2002: S.6291, Referred to Consumer Protection 2003-2004: S.3009, Referred to Consumer Protection 2005-2006: S.1797, Referred to Consumer Protection 2007-2008: S.4770, Referred to Consumer Protection

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately; provided, that the commissioner of agriculture and markets and the commissioner of education are authorized to promulgate any and all rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on or before such effective date.