An Act To Require Labeling of Genetically Engineered Marine Organisms
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA c. 605, sub-c. 3-B is enacted to read:
SUBCHAPTER 3-B
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PRODUCTS
§ 6116. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered marine organisms
1. Label required. Beginning January 1, 2014, a marine organism that has been, in whole or in part, genetically engineered as defined in Title 7, section 1051, subsection 2 may not be offered for sale for human consumption unless labeled as provided in subsection 2.
2. Manner of labeling. Labeling under this section must be accomplished as follows.
A. For marine organisms offered at wholesale, the package in which the organisms are packed and sales documents provided by the seller to the purchaser must contain statements that the organisms have been genetically engineered.
B. For marine organisms offered for retail sale in a raw form, the package in which the organisms are packed must contain a statement that the organisms have been genetically engineered or, if the organisms are not packaged, the label or other indicator identifying the organisms must state that the organisms have been genetically engineered.
C. For marine organisms that are offered for sale at retail in a processed form, the package containing the organisms must contain a statement on the front and back of the package that the organisms have been genetically engineered.
D. For marine organisms that are offered for sale for immediate consumption at a restaurant, take-out facility or similar location, the menu or other listing of items for sale must indicate that the organisms have been genetically engineered.
A statement or other indication that a marine organism has been genetically engineered must be clearly and conspicuously presented.
3. Violation; penalty. Failure to comply with this section is a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $1,500 may be adjudged.
summary
This bill requires clear and conspicuous labeling of marine organisms offered for sale that are produced using genetic engineering. Failure to provide the required labeling is a civil violation subject to enforcement by the Commissioner of Marine Resources.