N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law § 254: General powers

§ 254. General powers. The department through the commissioner is

hereby vested with the powers heretofore conferred with respect to milk

gathering stations, manufactories and plants, including the following:

(a) To supervise and regulate the entire milk industry of New York

state, including the production, transportation, manufacture, storage,

distribution, delivery and sale of milk and milk products in the state

of New York; provided, however, that nothing contained in this article

shall be construed to abrogate or affect the status, force or operation

of any provision of the public health law, the public service law, the

state sanitary code or any local health ordinance or regulation.

(b) To investigate all matters pertaining to the production,

manufacture, storage, transportation, disposal, distribution and sale of

milk and milk products in the state of New York. The commissioner shall

have the power to subpoena milk dealers, their records, books and

accounts, and any other person from whom information may be desired to

carry out the purpose and intent of this chapter and may issue

commissions to take depositions of witnesses absent from the state. Any

designated employee may sign and issue subpoenas and may administer

oaths to witnesses and conduct hearings and investigations. A subpoena

issued under this section shall be regulated by the civil practice law

and rules.

(c) The commissioner may act as mediator and arbitrator in any

controversy or issue that may arise among or between producers, among or

between producers and milk dealers, among or between milk dealers, as

between themselves or that may arise between them as groups.

(d) The operation and effect of any provision of this article

conferring a general power shall not be impaired or qualified by the

granting by this article of a specific power or powers.