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

NJFC Presents ORT and E-Fencing Issues to NJ Attorney General

This week, NJFC and members of the NJFC Loss Prevention Committee discussed the growing industry problem of Organized Retail Theft and Electronic Fencing with the State Attorney General Stuart Rabner and the Director of Criminal Justice Greg Paw.

ORT has become the most pressing security problem confronting retailers and suppliers and accounts for over $33 billion in losses annually. Unfortunately, technology has offered organized theft rings broad access to literally millions of potential buyers via internet auction sites, while offering anonymity to ORT rings by concealing their identity and prohibiting traceability to consumers who may unknowingly be purchasing stolen items. This emerging gray market is becoming an invisible fencing operation for organized and professional shoplifters and threatens the health and safety of consumers in New Jersey.

NJFC recognizes that without traceability, E-fencing is difficult for law enforcement to track and therefore discussed the merits of A-2272 sponsored by Assemblyman Cryan with the Attorney General. This bill will give retailers and law enforcement the tool necessary to identify thieves selling stolen merchandise via internet auction sites. In addition, NJFC suggested the creation of an Organized Retail Theft Task Force in the Attorney Generalπs Office that will study this epidemic and bring the issue to the forefront of public awareness.

NJFC Annual Membership Meeting Held!

New Jersey Food Council members gathered at the Woodbridge Hilton this week for the annual reorganization meeting to elect the NJFC Board of Directors, reflect on the accomplishments of 2006 and outline the agenda for the future.

The NJFC Board presented a special honor to longtime Board member Bob Spires formerly of Saker ShopRite for his years of dedicated service as a member of the Board of Directors. NJFC Chairman Bill Sumas of Village Super Markets remarked, ≥Bobπs tenacity, unique perspective and energy are already missed by his fellow Board members.≤

Serving as Officers for 2006 are Bill Sumas of Village Super Markets as Chairman, James McCaffrey of McCaffreyπs Markets as Vice Chair, Peter Marcalus of Marcal Paper Mills as Associate Vice Chair, Colleen Meares of Stop & Shop as Treasurer, Phil Scaduto of Food Circus Super Markets as Secretary and NJFC President Linda Doherty. In addition, NJFC would like to congratulate several new Board Members including, Dan Colegrove of Altria, David DeLaus of Wegmans, David Maniaci of Nicholas Markets, Richard Saker of Saker ShopRite and Bruce Weitz of Kings.

Also, former Miami Dolphin kicker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Garo Yepremian was on hand to sign autographs, visit with attendees, provide remarks and answer questions regarding his career in pro football. Lastly, NJFC unveiled the 2007 Event Sponsors.

Legislature Poised to Pass Onerous Plastic Container Recycling Enhancement Act

On Monday, the Assembly Environment Committee passed a proposal to increase the amount of recycled material in ridged plastic containers throughout New Jersey. A-2850, sponsored by Assemblyman McKeon and its Senate counterpart S-556, sponsored by Senator Smith would increase the cost of many products manufactured by NJFC members and sold to consumers. The proposal does include a number of exemptions including a small business exemption; plastic containers that contain personal care products; beverage containers; toxic or hazardous product containers and those that contain drugs, medicinal devices, cosmetics, food or infant formula.

In addition, the arbitrary amount of recycled content required by the initiative may compromise the integrity of these products and alter the entire product line throughout the country. NJFC remains opposed to this legislation. The bill, which passed the Senate last year, now awaits a vote by the General Assembly.

Food Council Remains Vigilant on Agriculture Issues

NJFC has been working with the State Department of Agriculture to represent the membershipπs interests on a variety of issues confronting the food distribution industry.

NJFC President Linda Doherty has been named as the food distribution industry representative on the NJ Produce Safety Task Force, which was established to ensure the safety of New Jersey produce and to help growers adapt to new safety standards. The Task Force met for the first time this week and discussed the possible expansion of voluntary third-party NJDA audits and possible federal funding or foundation grants for food safety efforts and the establishment of a web portal where Task Force members could share information instantly.

Also, NJFC President Linda Doherty, Mike Ambrosio of Wakefern and Craig Carlson of Pathmark represented food retailers at a ≥Spinach Roundtable≤ conducted by the Food Policy Institute of Rutgers University. The roundtable featured spinach growers, retailers and processors, as well as government and university representatives involved in food safety. Participants reviewed the FDA broad-based advisory regarding spinach consumption that was later narrowed to spinach only grown in three counties in California. The roundtable also assessed the State Department of Agricultureπs public relations and advertising campaign to reestablish confidence in New Jersey grown spinach.

Lastly, emergency rules have been enacted implementing portions of an order by the Division of Marketing and Development to assist dairy farmers in New Jersey. The ruling directs all licensed milk processors to pay New Jersey producers a fuel adjustment add-on for milk purchased from NJ producers. A second rule has been instituted that increases the financial reporting required by licensed processors, dealers, sub-dealers and stores. An order requiring a premium for rBST free milk has been disallowed by an Appellate Division and will be the subject of further hearings in upcoming months.

Photos Galore

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