2016 -- H 7256

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LC003835

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- MILK SANITATION CODE

     Introduced By: Representatives Lima, Canario, Ucci, Marshall, and Filippi

     Date Introduced: January 20, 2016

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 21-2-31 of the General Laws in Chapter 21-2 entitled "Milk

Sanitation Code" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     21-2-31. Labeling of containers of milk and milk products. -- (a) All containers in or

from which milk or milk products are sold or offered for sale shall bear a label in accordance with

regulations adopted under this chapter.

      (b) All labels or marks shall be displayed in the manner and include any matters as shall

be prescribed by the rules and regulations of the director; provided, nothing contained in this

section shall be construed to empower the director to disapprove of or to change any dealer from

using the common name of his or her firm, or of any registered trademark, brand, or trade name

customarily used by him or her in the identification of any or all of his or her products.

      (c) Samples of all labels or marks to be used on containers of milk or milk products shall

be submitted for approval as to color, size of lettering, and matter. No misleading mark or words

shall be placed on any container of milk or milk products. The cap or cover of all containers of

milk or milk products must cover the pouring lip to at least its largest diameter.

     (d) All labels or marks required under this chapter shall include information concerning

whether the milk or milk product has been genetically modified or engineered.

     (e) For purposes of this chapter, "genetically engineered" or "genetically modified"

means a process whereby milk intended for human consumption:

     (1) Is produced from an organism or organisms in which the genetics are materially

altered through the application of:

     (i) In vitro nucleic acid techniques, including recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

techniques, the direct injection of nucleic acid into cells or organelles, encapsulation, gene

deletion and doubling; or

     (ii) Methods of fusing cells that do not fall within the same taxonomic family, that

overcome natural physiological reproductive or recombinant barriers and that are not techniques

used in traditional breeding and selection such as conjugation, transduction and hybridization;

     (2) Is treated with a material described in subsection (e)(1) of this section, except manure

that is used as a fertilizer for a raw agricultural commodity; or

     (3) Contains an ingredient, component, or substance described in subsection (e)(1) of this

section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- MILK SANITATION CODE

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     This act would require that labels or marks on milk or milk products include information

disclosing whether such milk or milk product has been genetically engineered or modified.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003835

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