BILL NUMBER: S7629
SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to requir-
ing the department of agriculture and markets to maintain a publicly
available database of the results of its graded inspections on its
website
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture and Markets to post the
results of its graded inspections on their website and facilitate a
public awareness campaign.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides a list of responsibilities for the Department of
Agriculture and Markets, which are as follows: The Department of Agri-
culture and Markets must maintain a publicly available database of the
results of its graded inspections, which is to be updated every ninety
days. The Department of Agriculture and Markets must post on its website
where to file a consumer report. The department shall also facilitate
and coordinate the planning and implementation of awareness and educa-
tional programs to inform the general public on the standards retail
food store shall meet and how consumers may report retail food stores
with poor sanitary conditions.
Section 2 provides for the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation aims to increase consumer transparency and education
regarding retail food store inspections by requiring the Department of
Agriculture and Markets to maintain a publicly accessible database on
their website, in a conspicuous location, containing the results of its
graded inspections. The legislation mandates that the database be
updated every ninety days to ensure that consumers have access to the
most current and accurate information when making decisions about food
purchases. Additionally, the legislation requires that a clearly visible
location for filing consumer reports be provided on their website,
including within any navigation menus or drop-down options, so consumers
can easily file complaints.
Furthermore, the public awareness campaign mandated by the legislation
will educate consumers about retail food store standards and provide
guidance on how to report retail food stores with poor sanitary condi-
tions, helping ensure that consumers are empowered to make informed
decisions when purchasing food.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023/2024: S1195 - Vetoed Memo.93
2021/2022: S3227B Referred to Agriculture
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7629: 500 agriculture and markets law