Bill > S04372

This bill establishes a thirteen-member advisory board within the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets focused on food safety and inspection programs. The board will be composed of members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and minority leaders, including representatives from research universities, the retail and food manufacturing industries, farmers, and consumer advocates. Ex officio members from agencies like the FDA, USDA Food Safety Inspection Service, county health departments, and the state health department will also be invited to participate. The board's primary responsibilities will include advising the commissioner on food safety policies, examining the adequacy of current food safety protection and inspection efforts, recommending changes to staffing and enforcement activities, and reviewing existing and proposed food safety laws and regulations. The advisory board will meet at the commissioner's call, with an initial meeting required within 30 days of completing all appointments, and will be responsible for adopting its own procedural rules and maintaining records of its meetings and recommendations. The bill requires all appointments to be completed within 180 days of the act's effective date and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4372