Carey Signs Consumer Protection Law to Benefit Kashrut Observers

Governor Hugh L. Carey has signed a consumer protection law which will benefit observers of the kashrut laws, it was announced today by the governor’s office in Albany. The law mandates that only the manufacturer or packer of a product may affix labels certifying kosher or kosher for Passover. The law also provides that the label must be securely affixed to the outside of the container, or to the product itself if it is not packaged.

It has been the practice of many retailers to affix kosher or kosher for Passover labels on products sold in their stores, the governor’s office said. The legislation signed by Carey prohibits this fraudulent practice by permitting only the manufacturer or packer of a product to affix kosher or kosher for Passover labels. The law signed by the governor relates to the labeling of kosher foods and does not determine any degree for standards of kashrut, which is considered a religious function.