STATE OF NEW JERSEY
214th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2010 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman PAUL D. MORIARTY
District 4 (Camden and Gloucester)
Assemblywoman PAMELA R. LAMPITT
District 6 (Camden)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywomen Vainieri Huttle, Voss and Evans
SYNOPSIS
"Truth In Beef Packaging Act of 2008."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
An Act concerning meat packing and supplementing P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.).
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. Any person who packages meat for sale in New Jersey which has been treated using an additive, colorant, or any other method to enhance the appearance of the meat, including but not limited to carbon monoxide, vitamin E, or any other substance approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to improve the appearance of the meat, shall include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable label on the packaging stating:
THIS MEAT HAS BEEN TREATED TO ENHANCE ITS APPEARANCE. CHECK PACKING DATE TO DETERMINE FRESHNESS.
b. Any violation of this section shall be an unlawful practice pursuant to P.L. 1960, c. 39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.).
2. This act shall take effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment.
STATEMENT
This bill, designated the "Truth In Beef Packaging Act of 2008," requires that packaged meat treated with an additive, colorant, or any other method to enhance its appearance include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable label on the packaging stating so, and advising the consumer to check the packing date to determine its freshness. Additives such as carbon monoxide, vitamin E, and colorants are sometimes used so that meat appears fresher than it is. This practice can mask spoilage, and lead to consumers purchasing meat which is not as fresh as they believe.
Under the bill, a violation would be an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act. An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.