This bill amends New Jersey's food safety regulations by adding four specific substances to the list of those that can render food adulterated. The newly included substances are brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. The bill stipulates that it is unlawful for any entity in the state to distribute, sell, manufacture, or possess with the intent to sell or distribute any food that contains these substances. The enforcement of this prohibition will be managed by the Department of Health, which will also impose penalties for violations of the State Sanitary Code.
The rationale behind this legislation is to enhance public health protections, particularly for children, as scientific studies have indicated that these substances pose significant health risks. Each violation of the State Sanitary Code will be treated as a separate offense, with penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000. The bill is set to take effect on the first day of the 13th month following its enactment, although the Commissioner of Health is authorized to take necessary administrative actions in advance to ensure its implementation.