Loading chat...
IN SB0264
Bill
Status
1/7/2015
Primary Sponsor
Dennis Kruse
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Beginning July 1, 2016, any food offered for retail sale must be labeled as "Genetically Engineered" (raw agricultural commodities) or "Partially Produced With Genetic Engineering" or "May Be Partially Produced With Genetic Engineering" (processed foods), or be considered misbranded.
-
Genetically engineered or processed foods cannot state or imply they are "natural," "naturally made," "naturally grown," or "all natural" on labels, signs, or in advertising beginning July 1, 2016.
-
Exemptions apply to foods derived from non-genetically engineered animals, non-genetically engineered raw agricultural commodities with sworn statements, foods with only genetically engineered processing aids or enzymes, alcoholic beverages, and organic-certified foods.
-
The Indiana State Department of Health administers and enforces labeling requirements and may adopt implementing rules, but cannot create exemptions beyond those specified in the statute.
-
Violations constitute a Class A infraction, and the state department or any person may seek injunctions without proving injury, with courts awarding costs and attorney's fees to the prevailing party.
Legislative Description
Genetically engineered food. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2016, any food that is offered for retail sale is misbranded if it is not disclosed that the food is or may have been entirely or partially produced with genetic engineering. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2016, a food that is genetically engineered or a processed food may not state or imply that the food is natural. Establishes exceptions to the disclosure requirements and prohibition on stating a food is natural. Requires the state department of health (department) to administer and enforce the disclosure and labeling requirements. Allows the department to adopt
Last Action
First Reading: referred to Committee on Commerce & Technology
1/7/2015