HB 351 - Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods

• Creates Section 500.92, Florida Statutes, establishing mandatory labeling requirements for genetically engineered (GE) foods in Florida, effective January 1, 2017.

• Identifies 8 raw agricultural commodities at high risk for GE cultivation (alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, papaya, soy, sugar beets, zucchini/yellow summer squash) and 7 commodities to monitor for potential GE contamination; requires Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to publish and update lists annually by January 1, 2017.

• Requires clear labeling stating "genetically engineered" on raw GE commodities and "contains genetically engineered ingredients" or "may contain genetically engineered ingredients" on processed foods containing GE ingredients or recombinant bovine growth hormone, displayed on front or back of package.

• Exempts certified organic foods, food served in restaurants, certain animal products (1.5% GE feed threshold), foods with non-GMO Project verification, and processed foods where no single GE ingredient exceeds 0.5% of total weight until January 1, 2017.

• Establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 per seed and $1,000 per retail package for violations, with minimum daily penalties based on 3% of violator's annual profit; allows any individual or entity to bring enforcement actions.