Bill > H3407

This bill amends South Carolina law to establish new requirements for food and beverage labeling, focusing on three main areas: milk product dating, uniform date labeling, and reduced-oxygen packaging. For milk and milk products sold in retail stores, the bill requires a quality assurance date to be displayed on packages, with specific exemptions for direct-to-consumer sales and bulk shipments. After June 30, 2026, food manufacturers, processors, and retailers must use standardized date labeling terms such as "BEST if Used by" for quality dates and "USE by" for safety dates, with abbreviated versions for small items. The bill prohibits using the phrase "sell by" on labels and allows for continued sale and donation of food after its quality date. Additionally, the bill establishes strict guidelines for reduced-oxygen packaging of foods, requiring food facilities to implement specific safety measures like maintaining low temperatures, limiting refrigerated shelf life, and having an approved Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. The bill provides definitions for terms like "grocery store" and "prepared food item" and includes exemptions for certain products like infant formula and beer. The legislation aims to standardize food dating practices, improve consumer understanding of food quality and safety, and enhance food safety protocols.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3407&session=126&summary=B