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SB 820

An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in food protection, further providing for poisonous or deleterious substances and tolerances.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Costa and 4 co-sponsors

SB 820 modifies Pennsylvania food safety standards for allowable levels of poisonous or deleterious substances, though specific tolerance changes remain unspecified in current documentation.

Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 820

Legislative bill overview

SB 820 amends Pennsylvania's agricultural code to modify regulations governing poisonous or deleterious substances and their allowable tolerances in food products. The bill adjusts standards that determine what levels of certain substances are permitted in food sold within the state. These changes fall under food safety and quality control provisions in Pennsylvania's agriculture laws.

Why is this important

Food safety tolerances directly affect what products can be legally sold to Pennsylvania consumers and what testing requirements producers must meet. Changes to these standards can impact food manufacturers' compliance costs, consumer protection levels, and the state's alignment with federal FDA standards. Given the bill's broad sponsorship across party lines, it appears designed to address a specific gap or inconsistency in current regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Specificity unclear: The bill's summary doesn't specify which substances or tolerance levels are being modified, making it difficult to assess whether changes strengthen or weaken protections
  • Industry vs. consumer impact: Loosening tolerances could reduce compliance costs for producers but potentially increase consumer health risks; tightening them creates opposite effects
  • Federal alignment: Pennsylvania may need to clarify how amended tolerances relate to FDA standards to avoid creating market confusion or trade barriers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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