Bill
Bill > A6148
summary
Introduced
12/04/2025
12/04/2025
In Committee
12/04/2025
12/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes a gluten-free certification program and requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to publish a list of certified restaurants on the division's website. This bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to establish a voluntary certification program for restaurants that are entirely gluten-free or which offer gluten-free options and take necessary precautions to prevent cross-contamination. To establish and implement the program, the division is required to: (1) establish a procedure for restaurants to apply for a gluten-free certification, including clear guidelines for eligibility and documentation required for certification; (2) conduct an annual review of the list of certified restaurants pursuant to procedures established by the division for the purpose of determining whether a certified restaurant is eligible to maintain its certification; (3) impose reasonable fees including an annual re-certification fee to cover costs associated with the certification program; and (4) publish and maintain a list of restaurants with a gluten-free certification and make the list available on its Internet website. Under the bill, a restaurant is prohibited from advertising or represent itself as possessing a gluten-free certification unless it has been certified by the division in accordance with the provisions of this bill. A restaurant that violates these provisions will receive a written warning from the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs for a first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, the restaurant is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000, to be collected and enforced by the director in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). A violation of the bill's provision is not to be considered an unlawful practice in violation of the consumer fraud act.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a voluntary gluten-free certification program administered by the Division of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the Commissioner of Health. The program allows restaurants that are entirely gluten-free or offer gluten-free options with cross-contamination prevention measures to apply for certification. The division will create an application process with clear eligibility guidelines, conduct annual reviews of certified restaurants, charge reasonable fees including an annual re-certification fee, and publish a list of certified restaurants on its website. Restaurants are prohibited from claiming gluten-free certification without official approval, with penalties including a written warning for the first offense and a $1,000 civil penalty for subsequent violations. The first offense results in a warning, while repeated violations can lead to financial penalties enforced through summary legal proceedings. The certification program aims to provide transparency and assurance for consumers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, helping them identify restaurants that can safely accommodate their dietary needs. The bill will take effect seven months after enactment, allowing time for administrative preparation and implementation of the certification process.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 12/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6148 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6148_I1.HTM |
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