Maple Syrup and Honey Processing

All food processing establishments subject to regulation under article 20-C of the Agriculture and Markets Law shall be subject to the current good manufacturing practices of Part 261 of this Title unless exempted by said article 20-C or by this Part.

Section 276.4 Exemptions

1. Maple syrup and honey. Processors of maple syrup or honey who do not purchase maple syrup or honey from others for repackaging, and who do not combine maple syrup or honey with any other ingredients capable of supporting the growth of infectious or toxigenic organisms, shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of Article 20-C of the Agriculture and Markets Law, provided that:
   1. Such establishments are maintained in a sanitary condition and manner, and to this end the following requirements shall be complied with:
      1. Every practicable precaution shall be taken to exclude birds, insects (except those involved in the production of the product), rodents, and other vermin and animals from the premises of the operation.
      2. The use of insecticides, rodenticides and other pest control items in such establishments shall be permitted only under such precautions and restrictions as will prevent the contamination of the product.
      3. Rooms, compartments, places, equipment, and utensils used for preparing, storing, or otherwise handling the product, and all other parts of the operating premises, shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
      4. There shall be no handling or storing of materials which may create insanitary conditions in any place or places where the product is prepared, stored or otherwise handled. (v) All equipment and utensils used in processing or handling of the product shall be maintained in good repair to assure sanitary conditions in the operation.
      5. All finished product containers must be clean, sanitary and properly labeled in compliance with the requirements of Part 259 of this Title.
2. Exemptions from licensing requirements of article 20-C of the Agriculture and Markets Law under this section are conditioned on continued compliance with the requirements of this section.

Processors of maple syrup or honey who do not purchase maple syrup or honey from others for repackaging, and who do not combine maple syrup or honey with any other substance, shall be exempt from the licensing requirements.

"Grade A golden color and delicate taste" maple syrup has a uniform light golden color, a delicate to mild taste, and a light transmittance of 75% Tc or more.

"Grade A amber color and rich taste" maple syrup has a uniform amber color, a rich or full-bodied taste, and a light transmittance of 50% - 74.9% Tc.

"Grade A dark color and robust taste" maple syrup has a uniform dark color, a robust or strong taste, and a light transmittance of 25% - 49.9% Tc.

"Grade A very dark and strong taste" maple syrup has a uniform very dark color, a very strong taste, and a light transmittance of less than 25% Tc.

Processing Grade Maple Syrup means maple syrup that does not meet the requirements for Grade A maple syrup set forth in paragraph (2) of this subdivision. Processing Grade Maple Syrup may not be sold, offered for sale or distributed in retail food stores or directly to consumers for household use.

The name of the food defined in paragraph 2 of subdivision (b) of this section is "Grade A Maple Syrup". The name "Grade A Maple Syrup" must conspicuously appear on the principal display panel of the food's label, and the words "golden color and delicate taste", "amber color and rich taste", "dark color and robust taste", or "very dark color and strong taste", as appropriate, must also conspicuously appear on the food's principal display panel in close proximity to the food's name and in a size reasonably related to the size of the name of the food.

2. The name of the food defined in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of this section is "Processing Grade Maple Syrup". The name "Processing Grade Maple Syrup" must conspicuously appear on the principal display panel of the food's label, and the words "For Food Processing Only" and "Not for Retail Sale" must also conspicuously appear on the food's principal display panel in close proximity to the food's name and in a size reasonably related to the size of the name of the food.