Kasunic Bill Would Protect Volunteer Food Sales

Uniontown, March 26, 2009 – Reacting to news that inspectors have cited churches and volunteer groups for selling baked goods that are not prepared on site, state Senator Richard A. Kasunic (D-Fayette/Somerset) today said he is introducing a bill that would exempt churches, volunteer fire companies and veterans’ organizations from the law.

“While one has to wonder if inspectors shouldn’t find something better to do with their time, we obviously need to fix the law to protect against this kind of bureaucratic overzealousness,” Kasunic said.

Kasunic said the controversy in western Pennsylvania has pitted families who have donated baked goods and other items at charitable events for generations against inspectors going strictly by the letter of the law.

He said state Agriculture Department inspectors recently cited a church organization in nearby Beaver County because parishioners baked pies at home rather than on-site.

In addition, a local city health officer recently stated at a public meeting that local churches or organizations serving food to the general public would need to comply with the law by obtaining a business license and submitting to surprise inspections.

Kasunic said he was prompted to fix the law because he does not want to discourage churches, volunteer fire and veterans’ groups from continuing to bake and prepare foods for events at their church or volunteer organization’s events.

“My bill protects a positive and worthwhile social and charitable function that is part of the fabric of Pennsylvania communities,” Kasunic said. “I will work to rectify this law (Public Eating and Drinking Place Law) as soon as possible.”

# # #

CONTACT: CHARLES TOCCI
PHONE: (717) 787-5166