Without much else going on, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy is busy planning to introduce legislation to make it a federal crime for people to mislabel products as containing maple syrup.
Leahy said the legislation is needed to protect Vermont's maple crop from fraud.
The move came in the aftermath of a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation that found a man who had been selling fake Vermont "maple" syrup, when the product actually contained no syrup at all.
This proposal would create a new federal felony offense and increase the sentences for people who defraud consumers and farmers by intentionally mislabeling maple products.
Leahy, a Democrat, announced this plan at the same time he announced the state had received $70,000 in federal money to help market Vermont maple syrup.
In case you are wondering, here are the Vermont Maple Syrup grades:
Vermont Maple Syrup Grades
There are four grades of Vermont Maple Syrup for consumers and one commercial grade. People often ask sugar makers which grade is the best but that is really a personal choice! When you visit a Vermont sugarhouse you should ask to sample the grades that you’ve never had before to determine which one you like the best.
"Vermont Fancy"
Light Amber color, delicate maple bouquet
A very mild subtle maple flavor, excellent on ice cream.
"Vermont Grade A Medium Amber"
Medium Amber color, popular for table and all around use.
"Vermont Grade A Dark Amber"
Dark Amber color, robust maple, heartier maple flavor; also very popular for table and all around use.
"Vermont Grade B"
The strongest and darkest table grade maple syrup, its stronger maple flavor makes it the best grade for cooking.
