§ 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:

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(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.