Exempts processors of syrup made from tree sap or honey who do not purchase syrup made from tree sap or honey from others for repackaging, and who do not combine syrup made from tree sap or honey with any other ingredients capable of supporting the growth of infectious or toxigenic organisms from certain licensing requirements for food processing establishments.
Summary
S04911 amends New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law to create a licensing exemption for certain processors of syrup made from tree sap and for honey processors. Specifically, the bill removes these processors from the food processing establishment licensing requirements when they only handle their own syrup or honey, do not buy syrup or honey from others for repackaging, and do not combine the product with other ingredients that could support the growth of infectious or toxigenic organisms. The exemption is conditioned on the establishment being maintained in a sanitary condition and manner.
The bill is narrow in scope and is aimed at small-scale, low-risk producers whose operations are limited to basic processing of maple syrup or honey. It does not change the broader licensing framework for food processing establishments generally, but it carves out this category from the biennial license requirement and associated fees. The act takes effect immediately, so the exemption would apply as soon as enacted.
Impact
This bill amends Section 251-z-3 of the Agriculture and Markets Law by adding a specific exemption from food processing establishment licensing for qualifying syrup-from-tree-sap and honey processors. As a result, affected producers would no longer need to obtain or renew the state food processing establishment license, pay the related fee, or comply with the licensing application requirements for that category, so long as they meet the bill’s limits on sourcing, repackaging, ingredient mixing, and sanitation. The change primarily affects small maple syrup and honey businesses and reduces regulatory and financial burdens on those operations.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously, then cleared the Senate floor and Assembly floor with unanimous votes, indicating strong bipartisan agreement. The vote history suggests the measure was viewed favorably as a targeted regulatory relief bill for agricultural and small food producers.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive opposition in the available record. The main policy issue is the balance between reducing licensing burdens for small syrup and honey processors and preserving food safety oversight. The bill addresses that concern by limiting the exemption to processors that do not repack or combine the products with other ingredients that could support microbial growth and by requiring sanitary conditions, which likely helped avoid controversy among lawmakers and regulators.
Same As
Exempts processors of syrup made from tree sap or honey who do not purchase syrup made from tree sap or honey from others for repackaging, and who do not combine syrup made from tree sap or honey with any other ingredients capable of supporting the growth of infectious or toxigenic organisms from certain licensing requirements for food processing establishments.