Bill > A11325

This bill, known as the "Honesty in Cut Meat Act," requires grocery stores to clearly distinguish between meat that is cut on-site by store employees ("store-cut meat") and meat that is pre-cut and packaged by an outside company ("pre-cut, pre-packaged meat"). This distinction must be made through signage displayed in the meat or butcher departments, affixed to the shelf or case where the meat is located. For store-cut meat, the signage must also include the date it was cut. The bill defines "grocery store" by referencing the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, "meat" as raw beef, chicken, turkey, and pork sold in stores over ten thousand square feet, and "signage" broadly to include various forms of labeling. The purpose of this act is to allow consumers to make informed choices and to support local meat industries and skilled butchers by promoting transparency about the origin of the meat they purchase. Violations can result in injunctions and civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, and individuals harmed by violations can also bring private legal action.