Sen. Kane, Rep. Berthel Applaud New Law on Sushi Rice

Hartford – State Senator Rob Kane (R-Watertown) and State Representative Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) spearheaded efforts to pass a new law allowing restaurants to store sushi rice at room temperature after proper preparation. The legislation passed out of the General Assembly during the legislative session and was signed into law by the governor today.

Public Act 15-220 An Act Concerning Sushi Rice will allow Connecticut restaurants to follow the industry standard of keeping sushi rice at room temperature during meal service. The law allows sushi rice that is prepared with vinegar to remain unrefrigerated. This acidification of the rice safely preserves it at room temperature.

“We first proposed this legislation after meeting with a constituent who owns a sushi restaurant in Oakville. She explained how room temperature rice is always used in sushi as cold rice makes it extremely difficult to create a sushi roll,” said Sen. Kane who represents the 32nd Senatorial District. “Passing this legislation will help local business owners across the state meet state standards without interfering with their product. This new law shows that lawmakers are listening to the concerns of our local businesses and taking action to help.”

“So often the story about the relationship between state government and Connecticut’s business community ends with details of a new fee or regulation that heaps red tape and extra costs onto the folks who drive our economy,” said Rep. Berthel, who represents the 68th House District covering Watertown, Oakville and part of Woodbury. “But this legislation shows that the legislature can, in fact, do what Senator Kane and I have often talked about—take simple steps to make life easier for people who create jobs.”

Under Connecticut’s previous law, the Department of Public Health and local health departments were not required to allow acidification of sushi rice as an alternative to refrigeration.

The law will go into effect on October 1 of this year. More information on the legislation available here: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Public+Act&which_year=2015&bill_num=220