§ 5736 — Construction of subchapter

(a) General rule.--The provisions of this subchapter and the regulations promulgated under this subchapter shall be construed in a manner that is consistent with the Federal acts and regulations promulgated under those acts. The secretary shall not ordain or enforce requirements relating to sanitation, food safety, food standards and labeling requirements of any kind or description other than those provided for in the Federal acts unless the proposed regulation meets all of the following:

(1) is justified by compelling and unique local conditions;

(2) protects an important public interest that would otherwise be unprotected;

(3) relates to subject matter that is primarily local in nature and the Federal agency with responsibility over the subject matter is not exercising its jurisdiction with respect to the subject matter;

(4) would not cause a food to be in violation of any applicable requirements under the Federal acts; and

(5) would not unduly burden interstate commerce.

(b) Secretary to participate in rulemaking.--The secretary is encouraged to participate in rulemaking under the Federal acts and, if necessary, to pursue Federal rulemaking as is deemed necessary for the protection of the citizens of this Commonwealth through the Federal petition and rulemaking process.

Legislative History

Cross References.Section 5736 is referred to in section 5733 of this title.