Authorizes commissioner of agriculture and markets to seek injunctive relief for violations concerning kosher foods

BILL NUMBER:S6208

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the enforcement of kosher food laws

Summary

This bill would specifically enumerate the sections of the Agriculture and-Markets Law pertaining to kosher foods within Section 202-c of the Agriculture and Markets Law. Actions, both legal and equitable, to enforce the provisions of the Agriculture and Markets Law are brought under section 202-c.

Justification

Enumerating the sections of the Agriculture and Markets Law pertaining to Kosher food violations within the enforcement section of the Agriculture and Markets Law will facilitate the enforcement of the Kosher food provisions. This is in the interest of protecting the kosher consumer from willful, serious offenders who fraudulently sell non-kosher food that the consumer believes to be kosher. The illegal misrepresentation of kosher food is not only especially heinous in view of its attack on religion, but it is also very lucrative if successful. It is imperative that meat which is represented as being kosher according to orthodox Hebrew religious requirements actually be prepared in accordance with those requirements. Kosher considers purchase some meat believing that the Orthodox Hebrew requirements have been met. Kosher meat is much more expensive than non-kosher meat, creating a possible financial incentive for representing and selling meat as "kosher" even though Orthodox Hebrew religious requirements may not have been met. This bill would limit the possibilities for the fraudulent representation of kosher meat.

Fiscal implication

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.