Bill > HR4737

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require mandatory labeling for fruits and vegetables that have been treated with certain product coatings designed to extend their shelf life. Specifically, the bill introduces a new labeling requirement that mandates disclosure of "covered product coatings," which are defined as coatings directly applied to produce to prolong its freshness. The bill explicitly mentions Apeel Sciences product coatings like Edipeel and Organipeel as examples of such coatings. The legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on how these disclosures should be implemented within 180 days of the Act's enactment, and the labeling requirement will become effective one year after the Act is enacted. The purpose of the bill appears to be increasing transparency for consumers by ensuring they are informed about special coatings used to preserve fruits and vegetables, allowing them to make more informed purchasing decisions about the produce they buy.