HARRISBURG, Pa. — A bill that would repeal a law regulating the frozen dessert industry in Pennsylvania was approved by the state House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 152 was originally introduced by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), and Rep. Parke Wentling (R-7) introduced the companion legislation, House Bill 953. The bill would repeal the state Frozen Dessert Law of 1965, which requires certain manufacturers to obtain duplicative licenses, requires various safety tests and establishes food safety regulations for products.
“Unnecessary and outdated laws like the Frozen Dessert Law of 1965 can harm Pennsylvania businesses without providing any additional safety for customers,” Ward said. “When multiple layers of government each regulate the same industry and business, it can create redundancies and inefficiencies. This legislation makes it easier for frozen dessert companies to succeed by removing red tape while keeping consumers safe.”
Ward and Wentling argue that Pennsylvania already adheres to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code, which establishes food safety and testing standards, and that the additional state law is redundant and unnecessary.
Other states do not have laws specifically regulating frozen desserts.
“This issue was brought to me by a constituent who runs a custard shop in western Mercer County,” said Wentling. “Repealing this obsolete law will help him and other small business owners in Pennsylvania. Other laws and regulations ensuring the safety of frozen desserts remain in effect.”
The bill now heads to the governor to be signed into law.
