Louisiana Enacts New Strawberry ‘Farm of Origin’ Labeling Law
All strawberries sold in the state of Louisiana will be required to have a “farm of origin” label affixed to the packaging as a result of the recent passage of House Bill 430, which was initiated by Rep. Stephen E. Pugh and signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal in late May.
“Our Louisiana strawberry growers produce the best berries in the country,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) commissioner Mike Strain. “The labeling will let consumers know they are getting the freshest product possible.”
Strain said the measure also provides a useful reference in case food safety or other health issues arise. “Consumers are concerned about food safety, and it’s always good to know where the food we eat was grown, produced, processed or prepared,” he said.
“The strawberry growers saw this as a way to protect the integrity of their industry,” added Pugh. “The legislature thought so, too, and it passed unanimously.”
The LDAF’s Food Quality Services staff, along with input from the Louisiana Strawberry Marketing Board, will promulgate the rules and regulation for the enforcement of the law in the coming months, according to Strain. The process of creating the new rules will take approximately 120 days.
For more information, visit www.ldaf.state.la.us/portal/News/PressReleaseCurrent/tabid/92/itemid/1414/Default.aspx
“Our Louisiana strawberry growers produce the best berries in the country,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) commissioner Mike Strain. “The labeling will let consumers know they are getting the freshest product possible.”
Strain said the measure also provides a useful reference in case food safety or other health issues arise. “Consumers are concerned about food safety, and it’s always good to know where the food we eat was grown, produced, processed or prepared,” he said.
“The strawberry growers saw this as a way to protect the integrity of their industry,” added Pugh. “The legislature thought so, too, and it passed unanimously.”
The LDAF’s Food Quality Services staff, along with input from the Louisiana Strawberry Marketing Board, will promulgate the rules and regulation for the enforcement of the law in the coming months, according to Strain. The process of creating the new rules will take approximately 120 days.
For more information, visit www.ldaf.state.la.us/portal/News/PressReleaseCurrent/tabid/92/itemid/1414/Default.aspx