H.R.2162 - Honey Integrity Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2162, the Honey Integrity Act, aims to protect the integrity of honey marketed in the United States. It mandates the establishment of a standard of identity for honey and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on enforcement actions regarding misbranded honey. The bill also establishes a Honey Integrity Program to detect economically motivated adulteration.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to stricter regulations and testing requirements for honey producers and packers. It will also increase transparency and provide consumers with more confidence in the quality and authenticity of honey products. The act may also result in increased costs for honey producers due to testing and compliance requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Increased consumer confidence in honey products.
- Reduced instances of adulterated or misbranded honey.
- Improved market conditions for domestic honey producers.
- Enhanced food safety and quality control.
- Greater transparency in the honey supply chain.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for honey producers and packers due to testing and compliance.
- Potential for higher honey prices for consumers.
- Administrative burden on the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies.
- Possible exclusion of smaller honey producers who cannot afford testing.
- Potential for unintended consequences related to the definition of "economically motivated adulteration".
Constitutional Alignment
The Honey Integrity Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By establishing standards for honey and preventing adulteration, the act aims to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers, falling under the purview of commerce regulation. The Act does not appear to violate any specific constitutional protections or individual rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).