STAND. COM. REP. NO. 231

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1265

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1265 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LABELING OF MEAT AND FISH PRODUCTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require truthful labeling of meat and fish that have been gas-treated.

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by one organization.  One state agency supported the intent of this measure.  One state agency and one organization submitted comments, and one organization submitted testimony in opposition.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that the United States Food and Drug Administration has determined that use of safe levels of carbon monoxide in treating meat is not harmful to human health.  However, it is possible for the meat to appear fresh to the consumer due to the gas treatment but still have high bacteria levels, indicative of spoilage.  It has been suggested that the "use, sell, or freeze by" date listed on the package is sometimes extended due solely to the color of the meat rather than the freshness.

     The Department of Health checks for proper labeling requirements through routine food safety inspections.  The Department of Health also ensures that products are not offered for sale beyond their expiration date.  However, the Department of Health admits that it focuses most enforcement efforts on the accurate labeling of fish products.  The Department of Health relies upon the United States Department of Agriculture to enforce regulations for meat labeling.

Your Committee notes that this measure is intended to focus primarily on the accurate labeling of meat products sold in Hawaii.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1265 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

CLAYTON HEE, Chair