CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Taylor says proposed federal food rules would be sticky for maple syrup and other local food producers – but Sen. Judd Gregg says they will give consumers information that they need to make informed decisions about food.

Taylor says the National Uniformity for Food Act would effectively block states from controlling what goes into food produced and sold in New Hampshire.

State laws already cover maple syrup, dairy, cider vinegar and honey. State law requires anything labeled New Hampshire maple syrup be totally from maple sap.

Taylor says if the state’s law is pre-empted, nothing would stop federal rules from allowing corn syrup or other additions.

Under the proposed legislation, states would continue to play a critical role in protecting consumers, Gregg said.

Stuart Pape, a lawyer representing a coalition of agriculture and food producers, says Taylor’s fears are groundless. He says a federal labeling law already sets standards for identifying what’s in food and maple syrup is exempt. He says the proposal would put the same labels on food sold nationwide.

The bill passed the House this spring and is co-sponsored by Gregg.

“New Hampshire’s maple syrup law is not covered by this proposed legislation, nor will it be changed by this bill,” Gregg said in a statement. “Anyone adding corn syrup to New Hampshire maple syrup is defrauding the citizens of New Hampshire, is subject to a state enforcement action, and should be prosecuted under state law. Under this legislation, uniformity is not required of laws on economic adulteration, that is switching cheap ingredients – such as corn syrup – for more valuable ingredients – such as maple syrup – in food products.”