New Jersey Food Council
30 West Lafayette St., Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: 609/392-8899
Fax: 609/396-6571
Email: njfc@njfoodcouncil.com

Breaking News!

This just in: The New Jersey Food Council has been awarded a fourth grant from the State Department of Labor, worth $130,000 to continue the popular Food Handlers Training Workshops with Rutgers University.

In light of the new retail food code requirements and the recent E coli outbreaks, we strongly urge members to send entry level food handlers to participate in this training.

NJFC Unveils 2007 Events Sponsors!
The New Jersey Food Council is pleased to unveil the following companies as significant sponsors of NJFC events for 2007!

These elite sponsors of NJFC events are entitled to a pre-determined number of tickets to NJFC events, including the Annual Meeting, Night of Distinction, Trade Relations Conference and the Golf Outing. In addition, these fine companies will receive recognition in NJFC publications such as the News & Views and the quarterly newsletter ExpressLine, as well as acknowledgement in promotional materials and placement on banners at NJFC events. Sponsors are considered premium supporters of NJFC.

Gold Sponsors
- Acme Markets
- Edyπs Grand Ice Cream
- George Weston Bakeries
- Pathmark Stores, Inc.
- Stop & Shop Supermarkets
- Wakefern Food Corporation

Silver Sponsors
- Foodtown
- Inserra Supermarkets
- Saker ShopRites
- Supervalu
- Unilever
- Village Super Markets

Bronze Sponsors
- Brownπs Super Stores
- Coca-Cola Bottling of NY
- Frito Lay
- Gleason Insurance
- Goya Foods
- Kings Super Markets
- Pepsi Bottling Group
- Quick Chek Food Stores
- Wawa
- Wiss & Company

Brass Sponsors
- McCaffreyπs Markets
- Murphyπs Markets of South Jersey
- Pennington Quality Markets
- ShopRite of Hunterdon County, Inc.
- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
- Zallie Supermarkets

NJFC Busy in Consumer Affairs Committee

This week, NJFC testified on three bills pending before the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.

NJFC Director of Government Affairs Vince Bekier testified in opposition to A-2806, which would require onerous labeling of meat products in New Jersey. This proposal, places additional burdens on the food industry and will decrease consumer confidence in the food supply, which is already struggling due to E coli issues and avian influenza concerns. Mr. Bekier also testified in opposition to A-3539, which would require retailers to provide a manufactures rebate to consumers at the point of sale. This mandate will place significant financial burdens on retailers who will be forced to provide the funds to cover thousands of potential rebates. Both bills now head to the Assembly floor. NJFC will work to keep these bills from reaching the Assembly floor.

In addition, Rich Savner of Pathmark testified along side NJFC Associate Director of Government Affairs Michael DiRocco in support of legislation that would prohibit local governments from fining retailers for stray shopping carts illegally removed from a retailerπs lot. The bill was unanimously approved by the committee and now heads to the Assembly floor for consideration. This is an NJFC initiative.

Garo Yepremian to Appear at NJFC Annual Membership Meeting

Former Miami Dolphin kicker and Hall of Famer Garo Yepremian will be the guest sports celebrity at the 2007 NJFC Annual Membership meeting. The Annual Membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at the Hilton Woodbridge in Iselin, NJ from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Yepremian has been chosen by the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the ≥Kicker of the Decade≤ from 1970 to 1980 and was a member of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, widely regarded as one of the best pro football teams in history. NJFC is proud to have such a distinguished sports celebrity in attendance at the Annual Meeting to visit with NJFC members. Be sure to bring sports memorabilia to be autographed!

At the Annual Meeting, the NJFC membership will elect the 2007 NJFC Board of Directors as well as the NJFC Officers. Members will also have an opportunity to network with industry leaders and congratulate the 2007 Board of Directors. If you are not registered for the 2007 Annual Membership Meeting please contact the Food Council at (609) 392-8899.

NJFC Meets with Acting Director of Consumer Affairs

This week, NJFC President Linda Doherty met with Acting Director of Consumer Affairs Steve Nolan to educate the Division on E-Fencing issues confronting the retail community in New Jersey and throughout the country. Joining Ms. Doherty were Loss Prevention Committee Chairman Pedro Ramos of Pathmark and Vice Chair Tina Pilate of Wegmans. NJFC also advocated for the creation of an Organized Retail Theft Task Force, out of the State Attorney Generalπs Office, to study Organized Retail Theft and bring the issue to the forefront among law enforcement.

Department of Health Outlines Food Code Revisions with NJFC Members

This week, the New Jersey Food Council held a special meeting of the Food Safety and Quality Committee to allow State Department of Health officials the opportunity to outline revisions to the State Food Code. NJFC and the Food Safety Committee have worked closely with the Department for 10 years to develop standards that protect consumers and take store level operations into account. NJFC will continue to work with the Department during the transition.

While the new regulations go into effect immediately, DOH officials emphasized that this is an educational process and not yet an enforcement campaign.

Photos Galore

Don't forget to check out our library page to view photographs from our events including our recent Loss Prevention Conference & Exhibition.