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MAY 6, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY HUGH R. MORLEY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
* State looks to fine misleading labelers of out-of-state produce
New Jersey is cracking down on the practice of out-of-state farm and dairy produce being sold under the label of “local.”
The state Department of Agriculture has proposed rules that will define what can and can’t be labeled as grown in New Jersey. It is seeking public comment before making a final decision on whether to adopt them.
The proposed rules require any products labeled “locally grown” or “locally produced” — including fruits, vegetables, milk and cheese — to state also where they originated if they came from a state other than New Jersey.
The penalty for “false, misleading or improper labeling, marketing or identifying of farm products offered for sale in New Jersey as ‘local’ when they are not grown or produced in New Jersey” would be $100 for the first offense and $200 for subsequent offenses.
Marilyn Russo, a member of the state Board of Agriculture, said the board’s main concern is vendors buying produce out of state, perhaps from California or Pennsylvania, and saying it originated in New Jersey by using the word “local.” Some produce has misleadingly carried New Jersey’s “Jersey Fresh” label, the promotional campaign introduced 30 years ago, she said. The sale of such items has created confusion among customers as to exactly what they are buying, she said.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/jersey-fresh-impostors-1.1326240