The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is opposing a new regulatory burden that would be placed on the state’s food producers.
SB 149 would impose new, extreme labeling requirements on Missouri food and beverage products.
The bill would require front-of-package labeling to disclose certain allergens and nutritional information. Products containing any bioengineered substance or natural flavoring would require a label with a QR code or website link to more information. Additionally, meat products derived from an animal vaccinated with an mRNA-based vaccine would require a label reading “MRNA VACCINATED”.
These labeling requirements go significantly beyond the national standard and create a new, burdensome mandate on businesses.
SB 149 would increase penalties on employers, drive up food prices and make interstate commerce more difficult.
Jared Hankinson, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri Chamber, told members of the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee that business owners are concerned with the increase in compliance costs.
“They would like to avoid passing on additional costs to consumers, and they would like to avoid the potential liability they believe this could bring if approved by the legislature,” Hankinson said.
For more information on this bill, contact Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.
