S.1028 - Honey Integrity Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Honey Integrity Act aims to protect the integrity of honey marketed in the United States by establishing a standard of identity for honey and creating a Honey Integrity Program. This program mandates testing by commercial honey packers to detect economically motivated adulteration. It also requires reporting of adulteration findings to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and relevant law enforcement agencies.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased consumer confidence in honey products due to enhanced testing and transparency. It will also likely increase costs for honey packers due to testing requirements and fees. The Act also empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take enforcement actions against misbranded honey.
Potential Benefits
- Increased consumer confidence in honey products.
- Reduced instances of honey adulteration.
- Improved food safety and quality.
- Greater transparency in the honey market.
- Support for domestic honey producers by ensuring fair competition.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for honey packers, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on small businesses.
- Possible delays in honey production and distribution due to testing requirements.
- The definition of 'economically motivated adulteration' relies on the Secretary's interpretation, which could be subject to change.
- Fees imposed on honey packers could disproportionately affect smaller operations.
Constitutional Alignment
The 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 and regulations for honey sold across state lines, the Act falls under this purview. Additionally, the Act's focus on food safety and consumer protection aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble.
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).