Relates to an exemption from the small food processing licensing requirements for pickling

BILL NUMBER:S1374

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to an exemption from the small food processing licensing requirements for pickling

Purpose

This bill would direct the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to include pickling within the purview of the "Home Processor" exemption to the food processor licensing requirements.

Summary of provisions

Section 1:Amends section 251-z-4 of the Agriculture and Markets Law to require the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets provide by regulation for the inclusion of pickling under the "Home Processor" exemption to the food processor licensing requirements if he or she determines that the protection of the consumers of the state as a whole will not be impaired by such action.

Section 2:Effective date.

Justification

Currently many farmers take advantage of the so called "Home Processor" exemption from the licensing requirements placed upon food processors, to turn surplus fruits into jams or jellies. However this exemption does not currently extend to the pickling of vegetables. This legislation would direct the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to include pickling under the exemption if he or she determines that the protection of the consumers of the state as a whole will not be impaired by such action.

Legislative history

S.4793 of 2014: Died in Senate Finance S.4793 of 2013: Died in Senate Finance

Fiscal implications

Minimal to State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law, provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date, are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.