COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING FOR PERISHABLE FOOD & HUMAN ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

House Bill 4814

Sponsor:  Rep. Vicki Barnett

Committee:  Commerce

Complete to 7-14-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4814 AS INTRODUCED 4-21-09

Under the bill, failing to prominently label the country of origin of perishable food and oral hygiene products offered for retail sale would be a violation of Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCL 445.903).

The bill would add those acts or practices to the list of unfair, unconscionable, or deceptive acts and practices that it declares to be unlawful.  Specifically the bill requires country-of-origin labeling of (1) perishable food items, defined as those with a significant risk of spoilage, loss of value, or loss of palatability within 90 days of packaging; and (2) mouthwash, toothpaste, or any other product intended for human oral hygiene.

The Consumer Protection Act is enforced by the attorney general and local prosecutors and through private lawsuits, including class action lawsuits.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the Department of Attorney General and local units of government.  Any fiscal impact would be related to possible legal actions that the attorney general or local prosecutors might initiate to enforce the new labeling requirements of the bill.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch 

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.