PRINTER'S NO.  174

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

HOUSE BILL

 

No.

174

Session of

2009

  

  

INTRODUCED BY CARROLL, HANNA, BEYER, BRENNAN, CALTAGIRONE, DALEY, DeLUCA, FABRIZIO, FREEMAN, GEIST, GEORGE, GRUCELA, HENNESSEY, JOSEPHS, KULA, MELIO, M. O'BRIEN, PASHINSKI, READSHAW, SIPTROTH, K. SMITH AND YUDICHAK, FEBRUARY 2, 2009

  

  

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, FEBRUARY 2, 2009  

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

Amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

2

Statutes, codifying the Public Eating and Drinking Place Law

3

and the Food Act; providing for the protection of public

4

health and for regulations; requiring licensing; further

5

providing for food employee certification and for farmers'

6

market; providing for penalties; and making related repeals.

7

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

8

hereby enacts as follows:

9

Section 1.  Chapter 57 of Title 3 of the Pennsylvania

10

Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding subchapters to read:

11

CHAPTER 57

12

FOOD PROTECTION

13

[(Reserved)]

14

Subchapter

15

A.  Retail Food Facility Safety

16

B.  Food Safety

17

SUBCHAPTER A

18

RETAIL FOOD FACILITY SAFETY

 


1

Sec.

2

5701.  Short title of chapter.

3

5702.  Definitions.

4

5703.  License required.

5

5704.  Inspection, sampling and analysis.

6

5705.  (Reserved).

7

5706.  (Reserved).

8

5707.  Powers of department.

9

5708.  Infectious persons.

10

5709.  Linens, equipment and utensils.

11

5710.  Retail food facility and employee cleanliness.

12

5711.  Toilets, sinks and drains.

13

5712.  (Reserved).

14

5713.  School cafeterias and organized camps.

15

5714.  Penalties.

16

5715.  (Reserved).

17

5716.  Acts not affected.

18

§ 5701.  Short title of chapter.

19

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Retail

20

Food Facility Safety Act.

21

§ 5702.  Definitions.

22

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter

23

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

24

context clearly indicates otherwise:

25

"Bed and breakfast homestead or inn."  A private residence

26

which contains ten or fewer bedrooms used for providing

27

overnight accommodations to the public and in which breakfast is

28

the only meal served and is included in the charge for the room.

29

"Employee."  The license holder, person in charge, person

30

having supervisory or management duties, person on the payroll,

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1

family member, volunteer, person performing work under

2

contractual agreement or other person working in a retail food

3

facility.

4

"Food employee."  An individual working with unpackaged food,

5

food equipment or utensils or food contact surfaces.

6

"License."  A grant to a proprietor to operate a retail food

7

facility.

8

"Licensor."  Any of the following:

9

(1)  The county department of health or joint-county

10

department of health whenever a retail food facility is

11

located in a political subdivision under the jurisdiction of

12

a county department of health or joint-county department of

13

health.

14

(2)  The health authorities of cities, boroughs,

15

incorporated towns and first class townships whenever a

16

retail food facility is located in a city, borough,

17

incorporated town or first class township not under the

18

jurisdiction of a county department of health or joint-county

19

department of health.

20

(3)  The health authorities of second class townships and

21

second class townships which have adopted a home rule charter

22

which elect to issue licenses under this subchapter whenever

23

a retail food facility is located in a second class township

24

or second class township which has adopted a home rule

25

charter not under the jurisdiction of a county department of

26

health or joint-county department of health.

27

(4)  The Department of Agriculture whenever a retail food

28

facility is located in any other area of this Commonwealth.

29

"Organized camp."  A combination of programs and facilities

30

established for the primary purpose of providing an outdoor

- 3 -

 


1

group living experience for children, youth and adults, with

2

social, recreational and educational objectives, and operated

3

and used for five or more consecutive days during one or more

4

seasons of the year.

5

"Person in charge."  A person designated by a retail food

6

facility operator to be present at a retail food facility and

7

responsible for the operation of the retail food facility at the

8

time of inspection.

9

"Proprietor."  A person, partnership, association or

10

corporation conducting or operating a retail food facility

11

within this Commonwealth.

12

"Public eating or drinking place."  A place within this

13

Commonwealth where food or drink is served to or provided for

14

the public, with or without charge. The term does not include

15

dining cars operated by a railroad company in interstate

16

commerce or a bed and breakfast homestead or inn.

17

"Raw agricultural commodity."  As defined under section 5722

18

(relating to definitions).

19

"Retail food establishment."  An establishment which stores,

20

prepares, packages, vends, offers for sale or otherwise provides

21

food for human consumption and which relinquishes possession of

22

food to a consumer directly, or indirectly, through a delivery

23

service such as home delivery of grocery orders or delivery

24

service provided by common carriers. The term does not include

25

dining cars operated by a railroad company in interstate

26

commerce or a bed and breakfast homestead or inn.

27

"Retail food facility."  A public eating or drinking place or

28

a retail food establishment.

29

§ 5703.  License required.

30

(a)  Unlawful conduct.-- Except as provided in subsection

- 4 -

 


1

(b), it shall be unlawful for any proprietor to conduct or

2

operate a retail food facility without first obtaining a license

3

for each retail food facility as provided in this subchapter.

4

(b)  Exempt retail food facilities.--

5

(1)  A licensor may exempt the following retail food

6

facilities from the license requirements of this section:

7

(i)  A food bank owned by a charitable nonprofit

8

entity and operated for charitable or religious purposes.

9

(ii)  A soup kitchen owned by a charitable nonprofit

10

entity and operated for charitable or religious purposes.

11

(iii)  A retail food facility that operates on no

12

more than three days each calendar year.

13

(iv)  A school cafeteria.

14

(v)  A retail food facility that is owned by a

15

charitable nonprofit entity and that is one or more of

16

the following:

17

(A)  Managed by an organization which is

18

established to promote and encourage participation or

19

support for extracurricular recreational activities

20

for youth of primary and secondary public, private

21

and parochial school systems on a not-for-profit

22

basis. This subparagraph does not apply to organized

23

camps.

24

(B)  Offers only foods that are nonpotentially

25

hazardous foods or beverages.

26

(vi)  A retail food facility in which food or

27

beverages are sold only through a vending machine.

28

If the licensor is the department, the exemption shall be

29

accomplished by order of the secretary and published in the

30

Pennsylvania Bulletin. If the licensor is an entity other

- 5 -

 


1

than the department, the exemption shall be accomplished by

2

order of the local government unit or units having

3

jurisdiction over the licensor. A retail food facility that

4

is exempted from the license requirements under this section

5

shall remain subject to inspection and all other provisions

6

of this subchapter.

7

(2)  A licensor shall exempt the following retail food

8

facilities from the license requirements of this section:

9

(i)  A retail food facility in which only

10

prepackaged, nonpotentially hazardous food or beverages

11

are sold.

12

(ii)  A retail food facility that sells only raw

13

agricultural commodities.

14

A retail food facility that is exempted from the license

15

requirements under this section shall remain subject to

16

inspection and all other provisions of this subchapter.

17

(c)  Issuance of license.--A retail food facility license

18

shall be issued by the licensor having jurisdiction. A license

19

shall specify the date of expiration, the period for which the

20

license is valid, the name of the licensee and the place

21

licensed. Licenses shall be conspicuously displayed at all times

22

in the place thereby licensed. Licenses shall not be

23

transferable.

24

(d)  Application requirement.--Any person owning or operating

25

or desiring to operate a retail food facility within this

26

Commonwealth shall make application for a license to the

27

licensor on forms furnished by the licensor. The forms shall, at

28

a minimum, set forth such information as the department may

29

require and any additional information a licensor that is not

30

the department may require under the authority of the act of

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1

August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the Local Health

2

Administration Law. Application forms shall include the name and

3

address of the applicant, together with all the other

4

information deemed necessary to identify the applicant, provide

5

contact information for the applicant, identify the location of

6

the retail food facility that is the subject to the application

7

and facilitate the licensor's processing of the application.

8

(e)  Inspection.--

9

(1)  No license shall be issued until inspection of the

10

retail food facility has been made by the licensor and the

11

retail food facility meets the requirements of both this

12

subchapter and one of the following:

13

(i)  The rules and regulations of the department.

14

(ii)  The rules and regulations adopted under the

15

authority of the Local Health Administration Law.

16

(2)  Rules and regulations adopted by a licensor who is

17

not the department shall, at the minimum, meet the

18

requirements of this subchapter and the rules and regulations

19

of the department.

20

(f)  Reports.--If the licensor is an entity other than the

21

department, the licensor shall provide the department a copy of

22

any inspection report resulting from any inspection conducted

23

under authority of this subchapter within 30 days of the

24

inspection date. This copy may be sent by electronic methods, as

25

approved by the department. The department may, by regulation,

26

require that inspection reports be submitted in a specific

27

electronic format.

28

(g)  Term of license.--

29

(1)  Except as provided in paragraph (2), licenses shall

30

expire on the day after the original license anniversary date

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1

at intervals of one year, or for any other license period

2

that is established by the department through regulation and

3

that uses risk-based factors identified in the current

4

edition of the Food Code, published by the United States

5

Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, as a

6

basis for determining the appropriate license interval. An

7

application for renewal shall be made one month before the

8

expiration of an existing license. A license granted under

9

the provisions of this subchapter shall be renewed if the

10

most recent inspection by the licensor was conducted within

11

the preceding license period and determined that requirements

12

specified in this chapter with respect to the retail food

13

facility were met.

14

(2)  A temporary license for a retail food facility that

15

operates on no more than 14 days in one calendar year or for

16

a retail food facility operating at a fair, festival or

17

similar temporary event shall be granted with respect to the

18

calendar year in which it is issued if the retail food

19

facility meets the requirements of this subchapter.

20

(h)  Sales and use tax license.--No license shall be issued

21

until the proprietor exhibits proof that the proprietor has

22

applied for or received a sales and use tax license or exemption

23

certificate from the Department of Revenue.

24

(i)  Denial or revocation of license.--

25

(1)  A licensor shall state in writing to the proprietor

26

the reason for the refusal to issue a license.

27

(2)  (i)  If a retail food facility licensed by the

28

department is in violation of a provision of this

29

subchapter, or of a regulation promulgated under

30

authority of this subchapter, or of any other act related

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1

to public health and being applicable to retail food

2

facilities, the department may suspend or revoke the

3

license. If a retail food facility licensed by an entity

4

other than the department is in violation of a provision

5

of this subchapter, or of a regulation promulgated under

6

authority of this subchapter, or of any other act related

7

to public health and being applicable to retail food

8

facilities, or of the regulations of the licensor

9

pertaining to retail food facilities, the licensor may

10

suspend or revoke the license. The suspension of a

11

license shall be terminated when the violation for which

12

it was imposed has been found, upon inspection by the

13

licensor, to have been corrected. Whenever a license is

14

suspended or revoked, no part of the fee paid therefore

15

shall be returned to the proprietor.

16

(ii)  A licensor may, as an alternative to suspending

17

or revoking a license, provide a licensee a reasonable

18

interval within which to correct conditions that

19

constitute a violation that would result in the

20

suspension or revocation of the license, provided that

21

the health and safety of the employees, occupants and

22

patrons of the retail food facility can be reasonably

23

assured during that interval.

24

(j)  Fees.--The fees that may be charged under this

25

subchapter are as established by the licensor, if the licensor

26

is an entity other than the department, and shall be paid into

27

the city, borough, incorporated town, township or county

28

treasury. If the licensor is the department, the fees shall be

29

paid to the State Treasury through the department and are as

30

follows:

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1

(1)  For licensure of a retail food facility that has not

2

been previously licensed, and that is owner-operated and that

3

has a seating capacity of less than 50: $103.

4

(2)  For licensure of a retail food facility that has not

5

been previously licensed and that is not described in

6

paragraph (1): $241.

7

(3)  For a renewal of a license or for issuing a license

8

to reflect a change of ownership: $82.

9

(4)  For a duplicate license, for each retail food 

10

facility location: $14.

11

(5)  For a temporary license under subsection (g)(2):

12

$14.

13

(6)  For conducting a follow-up inspection to review 

14

whether changes have been made to correct violations which

15

resulted in noncompliant status determined by a prior

16

inspection:

17

(i)  For the first follow-up inspection during the

18

licensure period: $150.

19

(ii)  For a second or subsequent follow-up inspection

20

during the licensure period: $300.

21

(7)  For conducting an inspection that is not otherwise

22

required by the department, but that is conducted at the

23

behest of the proprietor of the retail food facility: $150.

24

(8)  For any license described in paragraph (1), (2),

25

(3), (4) or (5) that is issued for a period of greater than

26

one year by regulation of the department in accordance with

27

subsection (g), the license fee otherwise prescribed under

28

those paragraphs shall be prorated for the license period.

29

(k)  Multiple retail food facilities.--Whenever any

30

proprietor maintains more than one retail food facility within

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1

this Commonwealth, the proprietor shall be required to apply for

2

and procure a license for each retail food facility.

3

§ 5704.  Inspection, sampling and analysis.

4

(a)  Inspection.--For purposes of enforcement of this

5

subchapter, a licensor is authorized, upon presenting

6

appropriate credentials to the person in charge:

7

(1)  To enter at reasonable times any retail food

8

facility.

9

(2)  To inspect at reasonable times, within reasonable

10

limits and in a reasonable manner, the retail food facility.

11

(3)  To obtain a sample of any food at a retail food

12

facility for analysis as may be necessary to determine

13

compliance with this subchapter if the licensor, upon

14

completion of the inspection and prior to leaving the

15

facility, provides the person in charge a receipt describing

16

the sample obtained.

17

(b)  Billing.--A retail food facility from which a sample was

18

collected may bill the licensor for the fair market value of the

19

sample.

20

(c)  Report.--Upon completion of an inspection of a retail

21

food facility and prior to leaving the premises, a licensor

22

shall give to the person in charge a written report of the

23

findings of the inspection. Results from the analysis of any

24

samples taken shall be provided to the person in charge within

25

30 days of receipt.

26

§ 5705.  (Reserved).

27

§ 5706.  (Reserved).

28

§ 5707.  Powers of department.

29

(a)  Rules and regulations.--The department shall make such

30

reasonable rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for

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1

carrying out the provisions and intent of this subchapter. In

2

promulgating regulations, the department shall be guided by the

3

most current edition of the Food Code, published by the United

4

States Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration. The

5

regulatory standards established by the department under this

6

section shall be the minimum standards followed and applied by

7

any licensor with respect to retail food facilities.

8

(b)  Food service at schools and organized camps.--

9

(1)  The department shall provide for the inspection of a

10

food service at a school and for the training of school food

11

service personnel in accordance with the standards applied to

12

retail food facilities for schools located in areas in which

13

the department is the licensor. Upon request, the department

14

shall provide training to school food service personnel or

15

inspections of a food service at a school located in areas in

16

which the department is not the licensor.

17

(2)  The department shall provide for the inspection of a

18

food service at organized camps and for the training of food

19

service personnel at organized camps in accordance with the

20

standards applied to retail food facilities for organized

21

camps located in areas in which the department is the

22

licensor. Upon request, the department shall provide training

23

to organized camp food service personnel or inspections of a

24

food service at organized camps located in areas in which the

25

department is not the licensor.

26

(c)  Inspection.--If a licensor is required to provide the

27

department a copy of an inspection report pursuant to section

28

5703(f) (relating to license required) and fails to comply with

29

that requirement, the department may inspect and license the

30

subject retail food facility, and the licensor that failed to

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1

comply with the inspection requirement shall not charge or

2

collect any fee for licensing the subject retail food facility.

3

If the department conducts an inspection, it shall, within 30

4

days, provide the licensor a copy of the inspection report.

5

(d)  Interagency coordination.--The department shall provide

6

inspection reports or test results that indicate human illness

7

related to food consumption or food handling practices, or to

8

other threats to the safety of the food supply, to the

9

Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Protection

10

or any other Commonwealth agency as necessary to develop a

11

comprehensive, coordinated interagency approach to protecting

12

public health and safeguarding the food supply.

13

§ 5708.  Infectious persons.

14

No proprietor shall allow any food employee to be in a retail

15

food facility if that person has an infectious or communicable

16

disease, as prohibited under the act of April 23, 1956 (1955

17

P.L.1510, No.500), known as the Disease Prevention and Control

18

Law of 1955, and its attendant regulations related to

19

restrictions on food handlers. In consultation with the

20

Department of Health, the department may promulgate regulations

21

with respect to specific illnesses as related to operations in a

22

retail food facility as it deems necessary for the protection of

23

public health.

24

§ 5709.  Linens, equipment and utensils.

25

No proprietor shall utilize any linens, equipment or utensils

26

unless the linens, equipment or utensils have been thoroughly

27

cleansed and sanitized in the manner prescribed by regulation of

28

the department.

29

§ 5710.  Retail food facility and employee cleanliness.

30

All retail food facilities, kitchens, dining rooms and all

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1

places where foods are prepared, kept or stored shall be kept in

2

a clean and sanitary condition and be protected from dust, dirt,

3

insects and vermin in the manner prescribed by the regulations

4

of the department. The clothing and hands of employees shall at

5

all times be clean and sanitary. No domestic pets or other

6

animals shall be permitted where food or drink is prepared,

7

handled or stored unless specifically permitted or required

8

under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law

9

101-336, 104 Stat. 327) or other Federal or State law. No person

10

shall be permitted to use for living or sleeping purposes any

11

room or place in any retail food facility which is regularly and

12

customarily used for the preparation, handling, storing or

13

serving of food.

14

§ 5711.  Toilets, sinks and drains.

15

All toilets, hand-wash sinks, tubs, sinks and drains used in

16

or in connection with any retail food facility shall at all

17

times be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

18

§ 5712.  (Reserved).

19

§ 5713.  School cafeterias and organized camps.

20

Officials of schools and organized camps shall cooperate with

21

the department in the conduct of cafeteria health and safety

22

inspections and shall participate in inspection services and

23

training programs made available by the department in areas

24

where the department is the licensor. Upon request, the

25

department shall provide training to school or organized camp

26

food service personnel or inspections of a food service at a

27

school or organized camp located in areas in which the

28

department is not the licensor.

29

§ 5714.  Penalties.

30

(a)  Retail food facilities under jurisdiction of

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1

department.--For retail food facilities under the jurisdiction

2

of the department, penalties are as follows:

3

(1)  A person who violates any provision of this

4

subchapter or any rule, regulation, standard or order made

5

under this subchapter commits a summary offense for the first

6

or second offense and shall be subject to a fine not less

7

than $100 but not more than $300. A person who violates any

8

provision of this subchapter or any rule, regulation,

9

standard or order made under this subchapter commits a

10

misdemeanor of the third degree if the violation is a third

11

or subsequent offense and if the violation occurs within two

12

years of the date of the last previous offense.

13

(2)  In addition to proceeding under any other remedy

14

available at law or in equity for a violation of this

15

subchapter or a rule or regulation adopted or any order

16

issued under this subchapter, the secretary may assess a

17

civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 upon an individual or

18

business for each offense. No civil penalty shall be assessed

19

unless the person charged has been given notice and

20

opportunity for a hearing in accordance with law. In

21

determining the amount of the penalty, the secretary shall

22

consider the gravity of the violation. Whenever the secretary

23

finds a violation which did not cause harm to human health,

24

the secretary may issue a warning in lieu of assessing a

25

penalty. In case of inability to collect the civil penalty or

26

failure of any person to pay all or any portion of the

27

penalty as the secretary may determine, the secretary may

28

refer the matter to the Attorney General, who shall recover

29

the amount by action in the appropriate court.

30

(b)  Retail food facilities under other jurisdiction.--

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1

Penalties shall be established by the licensor for retail food

2

facilities under the jurisdiction of a licensor that is not the

3

department.

4

§ 5715.  (Reserved).

5

§ 5716.  Acts not affected.

6

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to abrogate or

7

supersede any provision or regulation adopted under the act of

8

August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the Local Health

9

Administration Law, with regard to licensure, regulation and

10

inspection of a retail food facility, as defined in section 5702

11

(relating to definitions).

12

SUBCHAPTER B

13

FOOD SAFETY

14

Sec.

15

5721.  Short title of subchapter.

16

5722.  Definitions.

17

5723.  Prohibited acts.

18

5724.  Temporary or permanent injunctions.

19

5725.  Penalties.

20

5726.  Detention and condemnation.

21

5727.  Temporary permits.

22

5728.  Adulteration of food.

23

5729.  Misbranding of food.

24

5730.  Regulations to exempt certain labeling requirements.

25

5731.  Poisonous or deleterious substances and tolerances.

26

5732.  Inspection, sampling and analysis.

27

5733.  Rules and regulations.

28

5734.  Registration of food establishments.

29

5735.  Product registration.

30

5736.  Construction of subchapter.

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1

5737.  Acts not affected.

2

§ 5721.  Short title of subchapter.

3

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the Food

4

Safety Act.

5

§ 5722.  Definitions.

6

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter

7

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

8

context clearly indicates otherwise:

9

"Color additive."  A material which is a dye, pigment or

10

other substance made by a process of synthesis or similar

11

artifice or extracted, isolated or otherwise derived, with or

12

without intermediate or final change of identity, from a

13

vegetable, animal, mineral or other source and when added or

14

applied to a food is capable, alone or through reaction with

15

other substances, of imparting color thereto. The term includes

16

black, white and intermediate grays. The term does not include:

17

(1)  Any material which the Secretary of Agriculture, by

18

regulation, determines is used or intended to be used solely

19

for a purpose or purposes other than coloring.

20

(2)  Any pesticide chemical, soil or plant nutrient or

21

other agricultural chemical solely because of its effect in

22

aiding, retarding or otherwise affecting, directly or

23

indirectly, the growth or other natural physiological process

24

of produce of the soil and thereby affecting its color,

25

whether before or after harvest.

26

"Federal acts."  The Wholesome Meat Act (Public Law 90-201,

27

21 U.S.C. § 601 et seq.), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

28

Act (52 Stat. 1040, 21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), the Poultry

29

Products Inspection Act (Public Law 85-172, 21 U.S.C. § 451 et

30

seq.), the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (Public Law 89-755,

- 17 -

 


1

15 U.S.C. § 1451 et seq.), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,

2

and Rodenticide Act (61 Stat. 163, 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq.) and

3

the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (Public Law

4

101-535, 104 Stat. 2353).

5

"Food."  An article used for food or drink by humans,

6

including chewing gum and articles used for components of any

7

article. The term does not include medicines and drugs.

8

"Food additive."  A substance, the intended use of which

9

results or may reasonably be expected to result, directly or

10

indirectly, in its becoming a component or otherwise affecting

11

the characteristics of any food if the substance is not

12

generally recognized among experts qualified by scientific

13

training and expertise to evaluate its safety, as having been

14

adequately shown through scientific procedures or, in the case

15

of a substance used in food prior to January 1, 1958, through

16

either scientific procedures or experience based on common use

17

in food to be safe under the conditions of its intended use. The

18

term does not include the following:

19

(1)  A pesticide chemical in or on a raw agricultural

20

commodity.

21

(2)  A pesticide chemical to the extent that it is

22

intended for use or is used in the production, storage or

23

transportation of any raw agricultural commodity.

24

(3)  A color additive.

25

(4)  Any substance used in accordance with a sanction or

26

approval granted prior to the enactment of this paragraph

27

pursuant to a statute repealed by this act, pursuant to the

28

Poultry Products Inspection Act (Public Law 85-172, 21 U.S.C.

29

§ 451 et seq.) or pursuant to the Wholesome Meat Act (Public

30

Law 90-201, 21 U.S.C. § 601 et seq.).

- 18 -

 


1

(5)  A new animal drug.

2

As used in this definition, the term "substance" includes any

3

substance intended for use in producing, manufacturing,

4

packaging, processing, preparing, treating, transporting or

5

holding food and any source of radiation intended for any use.

6

"Food establishment."  A room, building or place or portion

7

thereof or vehicle maintained, used or operated for the purpose

8

of commercially storing, packaging, making, cooking, mixing,

9

processing, bottling, baking, canning, freezing, packing or

10

otherwise preparing, transporting or handling food. The term

11

excludes retail food facilities, retail food establishments,

12

public eating and drinking places and those portions of

13

establishments operating exclusively under milk or milk products

14

permits.

15

"Imitation food."  A food that is a substitute for and

16

resembles another food but is nutritionally inferior to that

17

food.

18

"Label."  A display of written, printed or graphic matter

19

upon the immediate container of any food. The term "immediate

20

container" does not include package liners.

21

"Labeling."  All labels and other written, printed or graphic

22

matter upon a food or any of its containers or wrappings.

23

"Package."  Any container or wrapping in which food is

24

enclosed for delivery or display to retail purchasers. The term

25

does not include the following:

26

(1)  Shipping containers or wrappings for the

27

transportation of food in bulk or quantity to manufacturers,

28

packers or processors or to wholesale or retail distributors.

29

(2)  Shipping containers or wrappings used by retailers

30

to ship or deliver food to retail customers, if the

- 19 -

 


1

containers or wrappings bear no printed matter pertaining to

2

food.

3

(3)  Containers used for tray pack displays in retail

4

establishments.

5

(4)  Transparent containers or wrappings which do not

6

bear written, printed or graphic matter which obscures

7

information required to be displayed on the label.

8

"Pesticide chemical."  A substance used in the production,

9

storage or transportation of raw agricultural commodities which,

10

alone or in chemical combination or formulation with one or more

11

other substances, is a pesticide within the meaning of the act

12

of March 1, 1974 (P.L.90, No.24), known as the Pennsylvania

13

Pesticide Control Act of 1973.

14

"Potentially hazardous food."  As defined in the 2005 Food

15

Code published by the United States Department of Health, Food

16

and Drug Administration, or its successor document.

17

"Principal display panel."  A part of a label that is most

18

likely to be displayed, presented, shown or examined under

19

normal and customary conditions of display for retail sale and

20

is large enough to accommodate all the mandatory information

21

required to be placed on the label.

22

"Public eating and drinking place."  As defined in section

23

5702 (relating to definitions).

24

"Raw agricultural commodity."  A food in its raw or natural

25

state, including all fruits which are washed, colored or

26

otherwise treated in their unpeeled, natural form prior to

27

marketing.

28

"Retail food establishment."  As defined in section 5702

29

(relating to definitions).

30

"Retail food facility."  As defined in section 5702 (relating

- 20 -

 


1

to definitions).

2

"Secretary."  Includes an authorized representative, employee

3

or agent of the Department of Agriculture.

4

§ 5723.  Prohibited acts.

5

The following acts are prohibited:

6

(1)  Manufacture, sale, delivery, consignment, bailment,

7

holding or offering for sale of any food that is adulterated

8

or misbranded, except where a person in good faith delivers

9

or offers to deliver the food and furnishes shipping

10

documents to the secretary.

11

(2)  Adulteration or misbranding of any food.

12

(3)  Knowingly receiving in commerce any food which is

13

adulterated or misbranded and the delivery or proffered

14

delivery thereof for pay or otherwise.

15

(4)  Sale, delivery for sale, holding for sale or

16

offering for sale any article in violation of section 5731

17

(relating to poisonous or deleterious substances and

18

tolerances).

19

(5)  Refusal to permit during normal business hours entry

20

to, inspection of or taking of a sample or access to or

21

copying of any record at a food establishment as authorized

22

under section 5732(a)(2) and (3) (relating to inspection,

23

sampling and analysis).

24

(6)  Removal or disposal of a detained or embargoed food

25

article in violation of section 5726 (relating to detention

26

and condemnation).

27

(7)  Alteration, mutilation, destruction, obliteration or

28

removal of the whole or any part of the labeling of a food or

29

the doing of any other act with respect to a food, if the act

30

is done while the food is held for sale and results in the

- 21 -

 


1

food being adulterated or misbranded.

2

(8)  Forging, counterfeiting, simulating, falsely

3

representing or using without proper authority any mark,

4

stamp, tag, label or other identification device authorized

5

or required by regulation promulgated under this subchapter.

6

(9)  Use by any person to his own advantage or revealing,

7

other than to the secretary or the courts when relevant in

8

any judicial proceeding under this subchapter, of any

9

information acquired under authority of this subchapter

10

concerning any method or process which, as a trade secret or

11

confidential trade information, is entitled to protection.

12

(10)  Holding of any potentially hazardous food at unsafe

13

temperatures in violation of an applicable regulation issued

14

under this chapter.

15

(11)  Failure to register with the department under the

16

provisions of section 5734 (relating to registration of food

17

establishments).

18

(12)  Use of wording which incorrectly indicates or

19

implies that a label or product has received approval of the

20

department. A food establishment may not claim registration

21

either upon its label or package or otherwise, except as

22

provided in section 5735 (relating to product registration).

23

(13)  Sale of confectionery containing alcohol at a level

24

above one-half of 1% by volume.

25

(14)  Failure by a carrier to make records showing the

26

movement in commerce of any food or the holding thereof

27

during or after the movement and the quantity, shipper and

28

consignee thereof available for one year after the initial

29

date of movement of the food in commerce.

30

§ 5724.  Temporary or permanent injunctions.

- 22 -

 


1

In addition to any other remedies provided in this

2

subchapter, the secretary may apply to the Commonwealth Court or

3

to any other court having jurisdiction for a temporary or

4

permanent injunction restraining a person from violating this

5

subchapter or any regulation adopted under this subchapter.

6

§ 5725.  Penalties.

7

(a)  Criminal penalties.--A person who violates any provision

8

of this subchapter or any rule, regulation, standard or order

9

made under this subchapter commits a summary offense for the

10

first or second offense. A person who violates this subchapter

11

or any rule, regulation, standard or order made under this

12

subchapter commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if the

13

violation is a third or subsequent offense and if the violation

14

occurs within two years of the date of the last previous

15

offense.

16

(b)  Civil penalties.--In addition to proceeding under any

17

other remedy available at law or in equity for a violation of

18

this subchapter, or a rule or regulation adopted or any order

19

issued under this subchapter, the secretary may assess a civil

20

penalty not to exceed $10,000 upon an individual or business for

21

each offense. No civil penalty shall be assessed unless the

22

person charged has been given notice and opportunity for a

23

hearing in accordance with law. In determining the amount of the

24

penalty, the secretary shall consider the gravity of the

25

violation. Whenever the secretary finds a violation which did

26

not cause harm to human health, the secretary may issue a

27

warning in lieu of assessing a penalty. In case of inability to

28

collect the civil penalty or failure of any person to pay all or

29

any portion of the penalty as the secretary may determine, the

30

secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General, who

- 23 -

 


1

shall recover the amount by action in the appropriate court.

2

(c)  Guaranty.--

3

(1)  No prosecution shall be sustained under the

4

provisions of this subchapter for the manufacture, delivery,

5

consignment, bailment, holding or sale of or offering for

6

sale, exposing for sale or having in possession with intent

7

to sell any adulterated or misbranded article against a

8

person from whom the article of food, sample or portion was

9

obtained by the department if the person can establish a

10

guaranty to the effect that the article of food is not

11

adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of this

12

subchapter, was adulterated or misbranded prior to coming

13

into the possession of the person and the person did not know

14

or have reason to know of the adulteration or misbranding or

15

was adulterated or misbranded after if left the possession

16

and control of the person. The guaranty must be signed by the

17

supplier, manufacturer, wholesale dealer, jobber or

18

distributor from whom the articles of food were purchased or

19

procured.

20

(2)  The guaranty to afford protection shall contain the

21

name and address of the supplier, manufacturer, wholesale

22

dealer, jobber or distributor making the sale of the article

23

of food to the person holding the guaranty. A supplier,

24

manufacturer, wholesale dealer, jobber or distributor giving

25

a guaranty under the provisions of this subchapter may be

26

held responsible and may be proceeded against for the

27

adulteration or misbranding of any article of food sold under

28

the guaranty and shall be subject to the penalties provided

29

for violation of this subchapter. A guaranty shall not

30

operate as a defense to prosecution for a violation of the

- 24 -

 


1

provisions of this subchapter if the person holding the

2

guaranty continues to sell the same food after written or

3

printed notice from the secretary that the article is

4

adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of this

5

subchapter. However, if the person violated the provisions of

6

this subchapter by having stored, transported, exposed or

7

kept the article in a way or manner to render it diseased,

8

contaminated or unwholesome, the person may be proceeded

9

against for a violation.

10

(d)  Minor violations.--Nothing in this subchapter shall be

11

construed as requiring prosecution or institution of a

12

proceeding under this subchapter for minor violations of this

13

subchapter if the secretary believes that the public interest

14

will be adequately served in the circumstances by a suitable

15

written notice or warning.

16

(e)  Food establishments subject to local inspections.--

17

Penalties shall be established by the county, borough,

18

incorporated town or township for food establishments that are

19

subject to local inspection under section 5733(b) (relating to

20

rules and regulations).

21

§ 5726.  Detention and condemnation.

22

(a)  Marking detained food.--Whenever the secretary has

23

probable cause to believe that food is adulterated or

24

misbranded, the secretary shall affix to the container or

25

wrapping a tag or other marking. The tag or marking shall give

26

notice that:

27

(1)  The food may be adulterated or misbranded and shall

28

be detained.

29

(2)  It is unlawful to remove the food from the food

30

establishment or to dispose of it without approval of the

- 25 -

 


1

secretary.

2

(b)  Determination and appeal.--The secretary shall determine

3

whether a food detained under this subchapter may be sold,

4

delivered, consigned, held or offered for sale as is or whether

5

it shall be relabeled, reprocessed or destroyed within 40 days

6

of issuance of the detention order. Any determination by the

7

secretary that the food shall be relabeled, reprocessed or

8

destroyed shall be subject, within 30 days of the determination,

9

to appeal by the owner or operator of the food establishment or

10

the manufacturer or owner of the food to the court of common

11

pleas of the county in which the food was located. The detention

12

order shall expire after five working days from the issuance of

13

the order, unless the secretary confirms the order. The order

14

shall clearly and concisely state the facts on which it is

15

based.

16

(c)  Relabeling.--If the secretary determines that the

17

adulteration or misbranding can be corrected by a proper label

18

or reprocessing and the determination is not appealed within the

19

time permitted, the secretary may direct that the food be

20

released to the claimant to label or process under the

21

supervision of the secretary. The relabeled or reprocessed food

22

shall not be released into the market until the secretary has

23

executed an order indicating that the food is no longer in

24

violation of this subchapter.

25

(d)  Order for destruction.--Food detained under this

26

subchapter shall be destroyed by the owner under the supervision

27

of the secretary, if the secretary determines that the food is

28

unfit for human consumption and the food cannot be reconditioned

29

so as to be made fit for human consumption and the determination

30

is not appealed within the time permitted. Food detained under

- 26 -

 


1

this subchapter may be used as animal feed or for other

2

beneficial use, provided that such use is in compliance with

3

other applicable statutes, rules, regulations, standards and

4

orders. The owner shall pay all costs of destruction.

5

§ 5727.  Temporary permits.

6

Temporary permits granted by Federal agencies for interstate

7

shipment of experimental packs of food varying from the

8

requirements of definitions and standards of identity in Federal

9

acts shall be effective in this Commonwealth under the

10

conditions provided in the permits. The secretary may issue

11

intrastate permits where they are necessary to the completion of

12

an investigation and where the interests of consumers are

13

safeguarded for foods not complying with definitions, standards

14

of identity and State laws and regulations. The permits shall be

15

for a period not to exceed one year, although the permit may be

16

extended for a period of up to one additional year if a new

17

standard of identity has been applied for under section 5733

18

(relating to rules and regulations). The secretary may revoke a

19

permit after notice to the affected party if the application

20

contains misleading statements or if the secretary determines

21

that unfair competitive advantage is gained through the issuance

22

of the permit or that the need no longer exists for the permit.

23

§ 5728.  Adulteration of food.

24

A food shall be deemed adulterated:

25

(1)  If it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious

26

substance which may render it injurious to health. However,

27

if the substance is not an added substance, the food shall

28

not be considered adulterated under this section if the

29

quantity of the substance in the food does not ordinarily

30

render it injurious to health.

- 27 -

 


1

(2)  If it bears or contains any added poisonous or added

2

deleterious substance which is unsafe within the meaning of

3

section 5731 (relating to poisonous or deleterious substances

4

and tolerances). This paragraph does not apply to a pesticide

5

chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity, a food

6

additive or a color additive.

7

(3)  If it is a raw agricultural commodity and bears or

8

contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe within the

9

meaning of section 5731, except that, where a pesticide

10

chemical has been used in or on a raw agricultural commodity

11

with an exemption granted or tolerance prescribed under

12

section 5731 or under any of the Federal acts and the raw

13

agricultural commodity has been subjected to processing such

14

as canning, cooking, freezing, dehydrating or milling, the

15

residue of the pesticide remaining in or on the processed

16

food shall, notwithstanding the provisions of section 5731

17

and this paragraph, not be deemed unsafe if the residue in or

18

on the raw agricultural commodity has been removed to the

19

extent possible in good manufacturing practice and the

20

concentration of the residue in the processed food when ready

21

to eat is not greater than the tolerance prescribed for the

22

raw agricultural commodity.

23

(4)  If it bears or contains any food additive which is

24

unsafe within the meaning of section 5731 or under any of the

25

Federal acts.

26

(5)  If it consists, in whole or in part, of any

27

diseased, contaminated, filthy, putrid or decomposed

28

substance or is otherwise unfit for food.

29

(6)  If it has been produced, prepared, packed or held

30

under unsanitary conditions so that it may have become

- 28 -

 


1

contaminated with filth or may have been rendered diseased,

2

unwholesome or injurious to health.

3

(7)  If it is, in whole or in part, the product of a

4

diseased animal or of an animal which has died otherwise than

5

by slaughter.

6

(8)  If its container is composed, in whole or in part,

7

of any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render

8

the contents injurious to health, unless the container is

9

fabricated or manufactured with good manufacturing practice

10

as that standard is defined and delineated by any of the

11

Federal acts and their regulations.

12

(9)  If it has been intentionally subjected to radiation,

13

unless the use of the radiation was in conformity with a

14

regulation or exemption in effect under section 5731 or under

15

one of the Federal acts.

16

(10)  If:

17

(i)  any valuable constituent has been, in whole or

18

in part, omitted or abstracted therefrom;

19

(ii)  any substance has been substituted wholly or in

20

part;

21

(iii)  damage or inferiority has been concealed in

22

any manner; or

23

(iv)  any substance has been added thereto or mixed

24

or packed so as to increase its bulk or weight or reduce

25

its quality or strength or make it appear better or of

26

greater value than it is.

27

(11)  If it bears or contains any color additive which is

28

unsafe within the meaning of section 5731 or under one of the

29

Federal acts.

30

(12)  If it bears or contains eggs processed by or egg

- 29 -

 


1

products derived from a manufacturing, processing or

2

preparing method wherein whole eggs are broken using a

3

centrifuge-type egg breaking machine that separates the egg's

4

liquid interior from the shell.

5

§ 5729.  Misbranding of food.

6

(a)  General rule.--A food shall be misbranded:

7

(1)  If its labeling is false or misleading in any way.

8

(2)  If it is offered for sale under the name of another

9

food.

10

(3)  If it is an imitation of another food, unless its

11

label bears, in type of uniform size and prominence, the word

12

"imitation" and, immediately thereafter, the name of the food

13

that is simulated.

14

(4)  If its container is so made, formed or filled as to

15

be misleading.

16

(5)  If it is in a package that does not bear a label

17

containing:

18

(i)  The name and place of business of the

19

manufacturer, packer or distributor.

20

(ii)  An accurate statement of the quantity of the

21

contents in terms of weight, measure or numerical count.

22

Reasonable variations are permitted and exemptions as to

23

small packages shall be established in regulations

24

promulgated by the secretary.

25

(6)  If it is represented as a food for which a

26

definition and standard of identity has been prescribed by

27

regulation under this subchapter or under any of the Federal

28

acts, unless it conforms to the definition and standard and

29

its label bears the name of the food specified in the

30

definition and standard and the common names of optional

- 30 -

 


1

ingredients, other than spices, flavoring and coloring,

2

present in the food.

3

(7)  Unless its label bears the following:

4

(i)  The common or usual name of the food, if any.

5

(ii)  If made from two or more ingredients, the

6

common or usual name of each ingredient is listed in

7

descending order of predominance by weight, except that

8

spices, flavorings and colorings not required to be

9

certified under any of the Federal acts, other than those

10

sold as such, may be designated as spices, flavorings and

11

colorings without naming each.

12

(8)  If it is represented for special dietary uses,

13

unless its label bears such information concerning its

14

vitamin, mineral and other dietary properties as determined

15

by regulation to be necessary and in order to inform

16

purchasers as to its value for such use.

17

(9)  If it bears or contains any artificial flavoring,

18

artificial coloring or chemical preservative, unless it bears

19

labeling stating that fact. Exemptions shall be established

20

by regulations to the extent that compliance with

21

requirements of this paragraph is impracticable. The

22

provisions of this paragraph or paragraphs (6) and (7) with

23

respect to artificial coloring shall not apply in the case of

24

butter, cheese or ice cream. The provisions of this paragraph

25

with respect to chemical preservatives shall not apply to a

26

pesticide chemical when used in or on a raw agricultural

27

commodity which is the produce of the soil.

28

(10)  If it is a raw agricultural commodity bearing or

29

containing a pesticide chemical applied after harvest, unless

30

the shipping container of the commodity bears labeling which

- 31 -

 


1

declares the presence of the chemical and the common or usual

2

name and function of the chemical. A declaration shall not be

3

required when the commodity is removed from the shipping

4

container and is held or displayed for sale at retail in

5

accordance with the custom of the trade.

6

(11)  If it is a color additive, unless its packaging and

7

labeling are in conformity with the packaging and labeling

8

requirements applicable to color additives in department

9

regulations.

10

(12)  If, at the site of purchase of the particular food,

11

a sign, placard or other graphic matter relating to the food

12

is false or misleading in any particular.

13

(b)  Exceptions.--The provisions of subsection (a)(1), (2),

14

(3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11) shall not apply

15

to the following:

16

(1)  Bakery goods sold at retail by the bakery directly

17

to the consumer in a store or market stand operated by the

18

bakery. The bakery goods must be made by the bakery, the

19

bakery must guarantee that they are in compliance with this

20

act in all other respects and the required information in

21

subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9)

22

must be available to the public at the point-of-sale.

23

(2)  Bakery goods sold to the operators of retail food

24

facilities when the required information in subsection (a)(1)

25

(2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11) is

26

available to the public on the premises of the retail food

27

facility.

28

(c)  Nonpackaged food.--Food offered for retail sale in other

29

than package form shall be accompanied by a sign, placard or

30

notice listing the ingredients in descending order of

- 32 -

 


1

predominance by weight.

2

§ 5730.  Regulations to exempt certain labeling requirements.

3

The department shall promulgate regulations exempting from

4

any labeling requirement food which is, in accordance with the

5

practice of the trade, to be processed, labeled or repacked in

6

substantial quantities at establishments other than those where

7

originally processed or packed if the food is not adulterated or

8

misbranded under this subchapter upon removal from the

9

processing, labeling or repacking establishments.

10

§ 5731.  Poisonous or deleterious substances and tolerances.

11

(a)  Additions to food.--A poisonous or deleterious substance

12

added to a food, except where the substance is required in its

13

production and cannot be avoided by good manufacturing practice,

14

shall be deemed to be unsafe unless added in compliance with the

15

Federal acts.

16

(b)  Pesticide chemicals in or on raw agricultural

17

commodities.--A poisonous or deleterious pesticide chemical, or

18

any chemical which is not generally recognized among experts

19

qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the

20

safety of pesticide chemicals as safe for use, added to a raw

21

agricultural commodity shall be deemed unsafe unless added in

22

compliance with the Federal acts.

23

(c)  Unsafe food additives.--A food additive shall, with

24

respect to any particular use or intended use, be deemed to be

25

unsafe for the purposes of the application of section 5728(4)

26

(relating to adulteration of food) unless it and its intended

27

use conform to the terms of an exemption which is in effect

28

under this section or unless there is in effect, and it and its

29

intended use are in conformity with, a regulation issued under

30

this section prescribing the conditions under which the additive

- 33 -

 


1

may be safely used. A food which is in compliance with a

2

regulation relating to a food additive shall not, by reason of

3

bearing or containing an additive in accordance with the

4

regulations, be considered adulterated within the meaning of

5

section 5728(4).

6

§ 5732.  Inspection, sampling and analysis.

7

(a)  Inspection.--For purposes of enforcement of this

8

subchapter, the secretary is authorized, upon presenting

9

appropriate credentials to the owner, operator or agent in

10

charge:

11

(1)  To enter at reasonable times any factory, warehouse

12

or food establishment in which food is or was manufactured,

13

processed, packed or held for introduction into commerce or

14

to enter any vehicle used to transport or hold the food in

15

commerce.

16

(2)  To inspect at reasonable times, within reasonable

17

limits and in a reasonable manner the factory, warehouse,

18

food establishment or vehicle and all pertinent materials,

19

containers and labeling and to obtain samples necessary to

20

administer this subchapter.

21

(3)  To have access to and to copy all records of

22

carriers showing the movement in commerce of any food or the

23

holding thereof during or after the movement, and the

24

quantity, shipper and consignee thereof, if the secretary has

25

probable cause to believe that the movement or holding of

26

food is in violation of this subchapter or department

27

regulations.

28

(b)  Report of inspection.--Upon completion of an inspection

29

of a factory, warehouse or other food establishment and prior to

30

leaving the premises, the secretary shall give to the owner,

- 34 -

 


1

operator or agent in charge a written report of the findings of

2

the inspection.

3

(b.1)  Interagency coordination.--The department shall share

4

inspection reports or tests results that indicate human illness

5

related to food consumption or food handling practices, or to

6

other threats to the safety of the food supply, with the

7

Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Protection

8

or any other Commonwealth agency as necessary to develop a

9

comprehensive, coordinated interagency approach to protecting

10

public health and safeguarding the food supply.

11

(c)  Collection of samples.--During an inspection of a

12

factory or other food establishment where food is manufactured,

13

processed, packed, stored or offered for sale, the secretary may

14

obtain a sample of any food for such analysis as is necessary to

15

determine compliance with this subchapter.

16

(d)  Receipt for samples.--If the secretary has obtained any

17

sample in the course of the inspection, the secretary shall,

18

upon completion of the inspection and prior to leaving the

19

premises, give to the owner, operator or agent in charge a

20

receipt describing the sample obtained.

21

(e)  Payment of samples.--The food establishment from which

22

samples are collected may bill the secretary for the fair market

23

value of the samples.

24

§ 5733.  Rules and regulations.

25

(a)  Nature of rules.--The secretary shall be charged with

26

the enforcement of this subchapter and shall promulgate rules,

27

regulations and food standards necessary for its proper

28

enforcement. The rules, regulations and food standards shall

29

conform and shall be construed to conform with the purposes

30

expressed in section 5736 (relating to construction of

- 35 -

 


1

subchapter).

2

(b)  Local inspection.--Nothing in this subchapter shall

3

prohibit any county, city, borough, incorporated town or

4

township which was licensing food establishments in accordance

5

with the act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the

6

Local Health Administration Law, on September 2, 1994, from

7

continuing to license such food establishments in accordance

8

with the Local Health Administration Law. No county, city,

9

borough, incorporated town or township shall ordain or enforce

10

requirements of any kind or description related to sanitation,

11

food safety, inspections, standards and labeling other than

12

those promulgated by the secretary in accordance with this

13

subchapter or adopted in accordance with subsection (f).

14

(c)  Reciprocal inspection.--The secretary is authorized to

15

enter into reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions to

16

ensure inhabitants of this Commonwealth that food sold in this

17

Commonwealth complies with this subchapter and its regulations.

18

The agreements may be for reciprocal inspection and labeling

19

review. The secretary may approve or accept inspection and

20

labeling requirements of other jurisdiction with respect to

21

food.

22

(d)  Uniform regulation.--In reaching reciprocal agreements

23

with other jurisdictions, the provisions of this subchapter and

24

its regulations shall be considered as establishing uniform

25

requirements and regulations for food establishments throughout

26

this Commonwealth as defined in section 5722 (relating to

27

definitions).

28

(e)  Interagency agreements.--Nothing in this subchapter

29

shall prohibit a Commonwealth agency which is regulating and

30

inspecting retail food facilities in accordance with Subchapter

- 36 -

 


1

A (relating to retail food facility safety) from continuing to

2

regulate and inspect retail food facilities in accordance with

3

Subchapter A.

4

(f)  Adoption of Federal regulations.--All regulations and

5

supplements thereto or revisions thereof adopted under the

6

Federal acts which relate to food on, before or after the

7

effective date of this subchapter are adopted as regulations in

8

this Commonwealth and shall remain in effect unless subsequently

9

modified or superseded by regulations promulgated by the

10

secretary.

11

(g)  Definitions.--As used in this section, the phrase "other

12

jurisdictions" shall mean the United States of America or any

13

state, territory or possession thereof or any other country.

14

§ 5734.  Registration of food establishments.

15

(a)  General rule.--Subject to the rules and regulations

16

adopted by the secretary, it shall be the duty of every person

17

operating a food establishment within this Commonwealth to

18

register with the secretary as a food establishment. This

19

registration requirement shall not be construed to exempt food

20

establishments from licensing requirements of any county, city,

21

borough, incorporated town or township in accordance with the

22

act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the Local

23

Health Administration Law.

24

(b)  Application.--The application for registration shall be

25

made on a form to be supplied by the secretary upon request of

26

the applicant.

27

(c)  Fee.--The registration fee shall be $35 per food

28

establishment per year.

29

(d)  Exception.--Vehicles used primarily for the

30

transportation of any consumer commodity in bulk or quantity to

- 37 -

 


1

manufacturers, packers, processors or wholesale or retail

2

distributors are exempt from the provisions of this section.

3

(e)  Single food establishment.--For purposes of this

4

section, food establishments which are located at the same

5

address and operated by the same person shall be deemed to be a

6

single food establishment.

7

§ 5735.  Product registration.

8

The secretary may promulgate regulations allowing food

9

establishments to label their food products as having been

10

registered by the department. "Reg. Penna. Dept. Agr." shall be

11

the approved abbreviation. This registration label shall be

12

limited to food products prepared or packed in a food

13

establishment registered under section 5734 (relating to

14

registration of food establishments).

15

§ 5736.  Construction of subchapter.

16

(a)  General rule.--The provisions of this subchapter and the

17

regulations promulgated under this subchapter shall be construed

18

in a manner that is consistent with the Federal acts and

19

regulations promulgated under those acts. The secretary shall

20

not ordain or enforce requirements relating to sanitation, food

21

safety, food standards and labeling requirements of any kind or

22

description other than those provided for in the Federal acts

23

unless the proposed regulation meets all of the following:

24

(1)  is justified by compelling and unique local

25

conditions;

26

(2)  protects an important public interest that would

27

otherwise be unprotected;

28

(3)  relates to subject matter that is primarily local in

29

nature and the Federal agency with responsibility over the

30

subject matter is not exercising its jurisdiction with

- 38 -

 


1

respect to the subject matter;

2

(4)  would not cause a food to be in violation of any

3

applicable requirements under the Federal acts; and

4

(5)  would not unduly burden interstate commerce.

5

(b)  Secretary to participate in rulemaking.--The secretary

6

is encouraged to participate in rulemaking under the Federal

7

acts and, if necessary, to pursue Federal rulemaking as is

8

deemed necessary for the protection of the citizens of this

9

Commonwealth through the Federal petition and rulemaking

10

process.

11

§ 5737.  Acts not affected.

12

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to abrogate or

13

supersede any provision or regulation adopted under:

14

(1)  The act of July 2, 1935 (P.L.589, No.210), referred

15

to as the Milk Sanitation Law, the act of August 8, 1961

16

(P.L.975, No.436), referred to as the Milk Adulteration and

17

Labeling Act, and the act of September 1, 1965 (P.L.420, No.

18

215), known as The Frozen Dessert Law.

19

(2)  The act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known

20

as the Local Health Administration Law, with regard to

21

licensure, regulation and inspection of a public eating or

22

drinking place, as defined in section 5702 (relating to

23

definitions), which is not a food establishment under this

24

subchapter.

25

(3)  Subchapter A (relating to retail food facility

26

safety).

27

Section 2.  Sections 6502, 6503 and 6504 of Title 3 are

28

amended to read:

29

§ 6502.  Definitions.

30

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter

- 39 -

 


1

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

2

context clearly indicates otherwise:

3

["Advisory board" or "board."  The Food Employee

4

Certification Advisory Board.]

5

"Certificate."  A certificate of completion issued by a

6

certification program that has been evaluated and listed by an

7

accrediting agency that has been recognized by the Conference

8

for Food Protection Standards for Accreditation of Food

9

Protection Manager Certification Program.

10

"Conference for Food Protection."  An independent, national

11

voluntary nonprofit organization to promote food safety and

12

consumer protection. Participants in this organization include

13

Federal, State and local regulatory agencies, universities, test

14

providers, certifying organizations, consumer groups, food

15

service and retail store trade associations and retail food

16

facility operators. The objectives of the organization include

17

identifying and addressing food safety problems and promoting

18

uniformity of regulations in food protection.

19

"Employee."  As defined under section 5702 (relating to

20

definitions).

21

"Food establishment."  [A room, building, place or portion

22

thereof or vehicle maintained, used or operated for the purpose

23

of selling to the public, commercially storing, packaging,

24

making, cooking, mixing, processing, bottling, baking, canning,

25

freezing, packing or otherwise preparing, transporting or

26

handling food. The term includes retail food stores and public

27

eating and drinking licensees, except those portions of

28

establishments operating exclusively under milk or milk products

29

permits and those portions of establishments operating

30

exclusively under USDA inspection. The term does not include

- 40 -

 


1

dining cars operated by a railroad company in interstate

2

commerce or a bed and breakfast, homestead or inn as defined in

3

the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.926, No.369), referred to as the

4

Public Eating and Drinking Place Law.] As defined in section

5

5722 (relating to definitions).

6

"Organized camp."  As defined in section 5702 (relating to

7

definitions).

8

"Person in charge."  As defined in section 5702 (relating to

9

definitions).

10

"Potentially hazardous food."  As defined in section 5722

11

(relating to definitions). [A food which consists in whole or in

12

part of milk or milk products, eggs, meats, poultry, fish,

13

shellfish, edible crustaceans or other ingredients, including

14

synthetic ingredients, and which is in a form capable of

15

supporting rapid and progressive growth of infectious or

16

toxicogenic microorganisms. The term does not include foods that

17

have a pH level of 4.6 or below or a water activity of 0.85 or

18

less under standard conditions or food products in hermetically

19

sealed containers processed to maintain commercial sterility.]

20

"Public eating [and] or drinking place."  A public eating or

21

drinking place as defined in [the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.926,

22

No.369), referred to as the Public Eating and Drinking Place

23

Law.] section 5702 (relating to definitions).

24

"Retail food establishment."  As defined in section 5702

25

(relating to definitions).

26

"Retail food facility."  A public eating or drinking place or

27

a retail food establishment.

28

["Supervisory employee."  An owner or a person employed by or

29

designated by the business owner to fulfill the requirements of

30

this chapter.]

- 41 -

 


1

§ 6503.  Certification [advisory board and] programs.

2

(a)  [Members of board.--The secretary shall appoint persons

3

to serve as members of the Food Employee Certification Advisory

4

Board. Representatives shall be selected to represent the

5

following groups for a term of two, three or four years to be

6

determined by the secretary:

7

(1)  The chairman and minority chairman of the

8

Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee of the Senate or

9

their designees and the chairman and minority chairman of the

10

Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee of the House of

11

Representatives or their designees.

12

(2)  A consumer representative.

13

(3)  The Secretary of Agriculture or the secretary's

14

designee.

15

(4)  Two representatives of production agriculture.

16

(5)  Representatives, including at least one person

17

recommended by each of the following: Pennsylvania

18

Association of Milk Dealers, Pennsylvania Restaurant

19

Association, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association,

20

Pennsylvania Convenience Store Council, Pennsylvania Bakers

21

Association, Pennsylvania Food Processors Association,

22

National Federation of Independent Businesses, Pennsylvania

23

Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association, Local

24

1776 UFCW, Pennsylvania Retailers Association, the Licensed

25

Beverage Association, Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging

26

Association, Associated Petroleum Industries, Pennsylvania

27

Veterinary Medical Association, County Commissioners

28

Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania League of Cities

29

and Municipalities, Pennsylvania State Association of

30

Boroughs, Pennsylvania State Association of Township

- 42 -

 


1

Commissioners, Pennsylvania State Association of Township

2

Supervisors and Pennsylvania School Food Service Association.

3

At least one representative shall have experience in the

4

field of public health.] (Reserved).

5

(b)  [Chairman of board.--The secretary or the secretary's

6

designee shall serve as the chairman of the advisory board.] 

7

(Reserved).

8

(c)  Certification programs.--[The advisory board shall

9

review and recommend certification programs submitted by

10

individuals or organizations to ensure adequate training of

11

supervisory employees of food establishments.] The department

12

shall recognize certification programs including examinations

13

developed under those programs that are evaluated and listed by

14

an accrediting agency that has been recognized by the Conference

15

for Food Protection as conforming to the Conference for Food

16

Protection Standards for Accreditation of Food Protection

17

Manager Certification Program.

18

(c.1)  [Other duties.--For the purpose of complying with the

19

requirements of section 6504(g)(1) (relating to certification of

20

employees), the secretary shall convene a meeting of the

21

advisory board no later than March 1, 2003.] (Reserved).

22

(d)  Certification of [supervisory] employees.--[The

23

supervisory employees] An employee shall be certified [by the

24

department] following [the completion of training programs

25

recommended by the advisory board and approved by the

26

department. The department shall adopt food safety protection

27

and training standards for the certification of supervisory

28

employees who are responsible for the storage, preparation,

29

display or serving of foods to the public in establishments

30

regulated by the department or local health organizations. These

- 43 -

 


1

standards shall be adopted by the department to ensure that,

2

upon successfully passing a test, the supervisory employee has

3

demonstrated adequate food protection knowledge. These standards

4

shall also provide for a certification program which authorizes

5

private or public agencies to conduct and approve tests and

6

certify the results of these tests to the department. At least

7

one supervisory employee of a food establishment shall have

8

passed the test and received a certificate attesting thereto.

9

Employees shall have a period of 90 days after employment to

10

pass the required test.] demonstration of food safety protection

11

knowledge by the successful completion of an examination

12

conducted by or pursuant to an accredited certification program

13

recognized by the department under subsection (c). A retail food

14

facility shall have a period of three months after licensing

15

under Ch. 57 Subch. A (relating to retail food facility safety)

16

within which to comply with this chapter.

17

(e)  Preemption.--Except as provided in subsection (f), the

18

regulation of food safety protection and training standards for

19

employees of [food establishments] retail food facilities is

20

preempted by the Commonwealth.

21

(f)  Local programs.--Any food employee certification program

22

established by a county, city, borough, incorporated town or

23

township prior to September 1, 1994, may remain in effect.

24

§ 6504.  Certification of employees.

25

(a)  General rule.--[Food establishments shall maintain

26

certification records on respective supervisory employees.] Each

27

[food establishment shall employ a person having supervisory

28

authority] retail food facility shall have a person in charge 

29

who holds a valid [department food employee] certificate[.] 

30

present at the retail food facility at all hours of operation.

- 44 -

 


1

(a.1)  Exemption.--Notwithstanding the provisions of

2

subsection (a), the department shall, by regulation, exempt

3

categories of retail food facilities from the requirement that a

4

certified person in charge be present at all hours of operation.

5

The regulation shall consider risk-based factors identified in

6

the current edition of the Food Code, published by the United

7

States Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, to

8

identify these categories of retail food facilities.

9

(b)  [Examination.--No certificate shall be issued unless the

10

applicant has successfully completed a training course and

11

passed an examination recommended by the advisory board and

12

approved by the department.] (Reserved).

13

(c)  Compliance.--

14

(1)  (Reserved).

15

(2)  A [food establishment] retail food facility exempt

16

under section 6510(d) (relating to exemptions) may

17

voluntarily seek certification under this section.

18

(3)  Except as provided in section 6510, compliance with

19

this chapter by a [food establishment] retail food facility 

20

shall be mandatory. [by July 1, 2004. Section 6503(e)

21

(relating to certification advisory board and programs) shall

22

not apply to any food establishment prior to July 1, 2004,

23

unless that food establishment complies with this chapter.]

24

(d)  Employee turnover.--[Food establishments] Retail food

25

facilities which are not in compliance because of employee

26

turnover or other loss of certified [personnel] employees shall

27

have three months from the date of loss of certified [personnel] 

28

employees to comply.

29

(e)  Maintenance and inspection of records.--Names and

30

certificate numbers of certified [personnel] employees shall be

- 45 -

 


1

maintained at the place of business and shall be made available

2

[for inspection by the department.] to and shall be inspected

3

by:

4

(1)  the department for retail food facilities that are

5

licensed under Subchapter A of Chapter 57 (relating to retail

6

food facility safety) by the department; or

7

(2)  the licensor for retail food facilities that are

8

licensed under Subchapter A of Chapter 57 by a licensor that

9

is not the department.

10

(f)  Period of certification.--Certification shall be in

11

effect for [five years.] the certification interval prescribed

12

by the accredited certification program described in section

13

6503(c) (relating to certification programs). Renewal of

14

certification shall be based on the [completion of courses

15

recommended by the advisory board and approved by the

16

department. The courses shall not include a written

17

examination.] successful completion of the certification

18

requirements of an accredited certification program as described

19

in section 6503(c).

20

(g)  [Training program.--

21

(1)  Training programs to prepare candidates for

22

certification examinations and the administration of the

23

examination shall be made available throughout this

24

Commonwealth through cooperation with industry and others and

25

approved by the department. In order to meet the requirements

26

of this paragraph, the department shall promulgate

27

regulations with the approval of the board no later than July

28

1, 2004, which establish training programs providing for the

29

following considerations which include:

30

(i)  The existence and operation of a department-

- 46 -

 


1

approved employee training program on safe food handling

2

conducted by the food establishment.

3

(ii)  The limited handling of potentially hazardous

4

food.

5

(iii)  The number of hours necessary to prepare

6

employees for safe food handling due to the food

7

establishment's scope of business.

8

(iv)  The demonstration of satisfactory knowledge and

9

proficiency in the safe handling of food as approved by

10

the department.

11

(2)  The department shall develop and administer a

12

training program for food establishments voluntarily seeking

13

certification under subsection (c)(2). The General Assembly

14

may appropriate funds to offset the cost of the program for

15

food establishments exempt under section 6510(d).]

16

(Reserved).

17

(h)  [Mitigating factor.--

18

(1)  If a food establishment complies with this chapter,

19

the compliance shall be given appropriate consideration as a

20

mitigating factor in determining if a food establishment

21

shall be assessed more than the minimum fine or civil penalty

22

required by law in any action to recover fines or penalties

23

for a violation of the act of July 7, 1994 (P.L.421, No.70),

24

known as the Food Act.

25

(2)  This subsection shall expire July 1, 2000.] 

26

(Reserved).

27

Section 3.  Sections 6506 and 6507 of Title 3 are repealed:

28

[§ 6506.  Reciprocal agreements.

29

The department may accept certifications issued in other

30

states that have comparable requirements for certification

- 47 -

 


1

provided the department and the other state jurisdiction have

2

entered into a reciprocal agreement to accept each state's

3

certification program as meeting the provisions of this chapter.

4

§ 6507.  Suspension of certification.

5

Certification may be suspended or revoked by the department

6

if the holder or person fails to comply with this or other

7

sanitation regulations or the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.926, No.

8

369), referred to as the Public Eating and Drinking Place Law,

9

or the act of July 7, 1994 (P.L.421, No.70), known as the Food

10

Act. Prior to suspension or revocation, the certificate holder

11

shall be given the opportunity for a hearing before the

12

department.]

13

Section 4.  Section 6508 of Title 3 is amended to read:

14

§ 6508.  Civil penalties.

15

[In] (a)  Retail food facilities licensed by the

16

department.--For retail food facilities licensed under

17

Subchapter A of Chapter 57 (relating to retail food facility

18

safety) by the department, and in addition to proceeding under

19

any other remedy available at law or in equity for a violation

20

of a provision of this chapter or a rule or regulation adopted

21

thereunder or any order issued pursuant thereto, the department

22

may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $300 for the first

23

offense or not to exceed $1,000 for subsequent offenses upon a

24

person or [food establishment] retail food facility for each

25

offense. No civil penalty shall be assessed unless the person

26

charged has been given notice and opportunity for a hearing on

27

the charge in accordance with law. 

28

(b)  Retail food facilities licensed by other licensor.--For

29

retail food facilities licensed under Subchapter A of Chapter 57

30

by a licensor that is not the department, penalties under this

- 48 -

 


1

chapter shall be established by the licensor.

2

Section 5.  Section 6509 of Title 3 is repealed:

3

[§ 6509.  Fees.

4

(a)  Change by regulation.--All fees imposed by this chapter

5

shall remain in effect until changed by the department by

6

regulation subject to the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.

7

181), known as the Regulatory Review Act. The department shall

8

propose to change those fees by regulation following

9

consultation with the advisory board.

10

(b)  Fee for certification.--The department shall issue or

11

approve the issuance of a certification document to the person

12

upon the successful completion of the approved training program.

13

A fee of $20 shall be charged by the department for this service

14

unless changed by regulation.

15

(c)  Payments to municipalities.--Local health departments

16

created in accordance with the act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304,

17

No.315), known as the Local Health Administration Law, may

18

enforce the provisions of this chapter as it pertains to public

19

eating and drinking licensees. Each local health department

20

shall be reimbursed by the department in an amount equal to 50%

21

of the civil penalties levied and collected by the department

22

pursuant to this chapter in each such jurisdiction.]

23

Section 6.  Sections 6510 and 8101 of Title 3 are amended to

24

read:

25

§ 6510.  Exemptions.

26

(a)  Prepackaged food.--[Food establishments]

27

(1)  Retail food facilities where only commercially

28

prepackaged food is handled and sold are exempt from this

29

chapter.

30

(2)  Retail food facilities that handle and sell food

- 49 -

 


1

other than commercially prepackaged food are exempt from this

2

chapter during time periods or work shifts when only

3

commercially prepackaged food is sold.

4

(b)  Nonpotentially hazardous food.--[Food establishments]

5

(1)  Retail food facilities that handle only

6

nonpotentially hazardous food are exempt from this chapter.

7

(2)  Retail food facilities that handle and sell

8

potentially hazardous food are exempt from this chapter

9

during time periods or work shifts when only nonpotentially

10

hazardous food is handled and sold.

11

(c)  Food [manufacturing facilities] establishments.--Food

12

[manufacturing facilities which are engaged in the manufacture

13

of prepackaged foods and which do not manufacture potentially

14

hazardous food] establishments are exempt from this chapter.

15

(d)  Exempt [organizations] retail food facilities.--Except

16

as set forth in section 6504(c)(2) (relating to certification of

17

employees), the following [organizations] retail food facilities 

18

are exempt from this chapter:

19

(1)  A [food establishment] retail food facility managed

20

by an organization which is a tax-exempt organization under

21

section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986

22

(Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)).

23

(2)  A [food establishment] retail food facility managed

24

on a not-for-profit basis by an organization which is a

25

volunteer fire company or an ambulance, religious,

26

charitable, fraternal, veterans, civic, agricultural fair or

27

agricultural association or any separately chartered

28

auxiliary of any of the above associations.

29

(3)  A [food establishment] retail food facility managed

30

by an organization which is established to promote and

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1

encourage participation and support for extracurricular

2

recreational activities for youth of primary and secondary

3

public, private and parochial school systems on a not-for-

4

profit basis. This paragraph does not apply to organized

5

camps.

6

§ 8101.  [Farmers' market.

7

For the purpose of section 14(e) of the act of July 7, 1994

8

(P.L.421, No.70), known as the Food Act, any building, structure

9

or place owned, leased or otherwise in possession of a person or

10

municipal corporation or public or private organization, used or

11

intended to be used by two or more farmers or an association of

12

farmers for the purpose of selling food directly to consumers

13

shall be deemed to be a single food establishment.] (Reserved).

14

Section 7.  Except to the extent they are inconsistent with

15

any provision of this act, the rules, regulations and standards

16

adopted by the department prior to the effective date of this

17

act under authority of the statutes repealed in section 4 of

18

this act, shall continue in effect unless subsequently modified

19

or superseded by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of

20

Agriculture of the Commonwealth.

21

Section 8.  Repeals are as follows:

22

(1)  The General Assembly declares as follows:

23

(i)  The repeal under paragraph (2)(i) is necessary

24

because the fees described in that provision are supplied

25

by 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 57 Subch. A.

26

(ii)  The repeal under paragraph (2)(ii) is necessary

27

because the material is supplied by 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 57

28

Subch. A.

29

(iii) The repeal under paragraph (2)(iii) is

30

necessary because the material is supplied by 3 Pa.C.S.

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1

Ch. 57 Subch. B.

2

(2)  Repeals are as follows:

3

(i)  Section 602-A(16) of the act of April 9, 1929

4

(P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of

5

1929, is repealed.

6

(ii)  The act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.926, No.369),

7

referred to as the Public Eating and Drinking Place Law,

8

is repealed.

9

(iii)  The act of July 7, 1994 (P.L.421, No.70),

10

known as the Food Act, is repealed.

11

Section 9.  This act shall take effect as follows:

12

(1)  The amendment of 3 Pa.C.S. § 6504(a) shall take

13

effect on the effective date of the regulations promulgated

14

under 3 Pa.C.S. § 6504(a.1), or two years from the effective

15

date of this section, whichever occurs first.

16

(2)  The remainder of this act shall take effect in 60

17

days.

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