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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey Bill A583 Prohibits Sale of Adulterated Candy Containing Toxic Metals
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs CommitteeSponsor: Gary Schaer
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What This Bill Would Do
New Jersey Assembly Bill 583 prohibits the sale or distribution of candy containing intentionally introduced lead, mercury, or cadmium, or candy with wrappers made using those toxic metals. The measure sets a strict 100 limit on naturally occurring levels of these elements in candy and requires manufacturers to submit compliance certifications to the Department of Health.
Manufacturers face civil penalties up to $10,000 for a first offense of selling , while distributors and retailers face penalties up to $1,000, with dedicated enforcement funds established to monitor compliance across New Jersey markets.
- Gary S. Schaer serves in the New Jersey General Assembly representing Legislative District 36, which covers parts of Bergen and Passaic counties. context
- Title 24 of the Revised Statutes of New Jersey governs food and drugs, setting state-level standards for health and safety in commercial products. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Candy manufacturers
Must submit written certifications of compliance, maintain records, and face civil liabilities and product recalls if products contain prohibited heavy metal levels.
Distributors and retailers
Must store compliant inventory, obtain compliance certifications, and comply with removal and return orders issued by the Commissioner of Health.
Department of Health
Gives inspection, sampling, rule-making, and penalty-enforcement powers to oversee compliance with the legislation.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of candy are covered under this bill?
What are the penalties for manufacturers who submit false compliance certifications?
How are naturally occurring heavy metals regulated in candy?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Creation of Dedicated Enforcement Fund
The bill establishes a specialized nonlapsing fund specifically for collecting penalties and fees under this act to support Department of Health administration and testing.
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy25Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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