An Act To Prohibit False Labeling of 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. Labeling of genetically engineered marine organisms
1. Labeling prohibition. Beginning January 1, 2016, a marine organism that has been, in whole or in part, genetically engineered may not be offered for sale for human consumption if labeled with the same name as its nongenetically engineered counterpart unless the words "genetically engineered" appear immediately before the name in the same size, color and font type. For purposes of this section, "genetically engineered" means modified by recombinant DNA techniques or containing such a modification as the result of inheritance.
2. 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 a marine organism offered for sale if the marine organism is produced using genetic engineering and is labeled with the same name as its nongenetically engineered counterpart. Failure to provide the required labeling is a civil violation.