The Florida Senate

585.79  Labeling of animal products.--

(1)  When any meat, meat byproduct, or meat food product that has been inspected as provided by this part and marked "Florida Inspected and Passed" is placed or packed in any container or covering in any establishment where inspection under the provisions of this part is maintained, the person preparing such meat, meat byproduct, or meat food product shall attach the required label to the container or covering under the supervision of an inspector. The label shall state that the contents thereof have been "Inspected and Passed" under the provisions of this part.

(2)  When any poultry byproduct, poultry meat, or poultry food product that has been inspected as provided by this part and marked "Florida Inspected for Wholesomeness" is placed or packed in any container or covering in any establishment where inspection under the provisions of this part is maintained, the person preparing such poultry byproduct, poultry meat, or poultry food product shall attach the required label to the container or covering under the supervision of an inspector. The label shall state that the contents have been "Inspected for Wholesomeness" under the provisions of this part.

(3)  No inspection of animal products deposited or enclosed in a container or covering in any establishment where inspection is maintained shall be deemed to be complete until such product has been sealed or enclosed in the container or covering under the supervision of an inspector. No such animal product shall be sold or offered for sale by any person in the state under any false or deceptive name. Established trademarks which are not false or deceptive, and which are approved by the department are permitted.

(4)  Whenever the department determines such action is necessary for the protection of the public, it may prescribe:

(a)  The styles and sizes of type to be used with respect to information required to be incorporated on labeling to avoid false or misleading labeling in marking or labeling any animal product subject to this part; and

(b)  Definitions and standards of identity or composition of animal products subject to this part and standards of fill of containers for such products consistent with any such standards established under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the federal Poultry Products Inspection Act. If the department has reason to believe that any marking or labeling or the size or form of any container in use or proposed for use with respect to any product subject to this part is false or misleading in any particular, the department may direct that such use be withheld, unless the marking, labeling, or container is modified in such manner as the department may prescribe, so that it will not be false or misleading.

History.--s. 52, ch. 90-321; s. 43, ch. 94-180.