BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1216
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CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 1216 (Evans)
As Amended July 13, 2009
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |77-0 |(May 21, 2009) |SENATE: |25-9 |(August 31, |
| | | | | |2009) |
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Original Committee Reference: AGRI.
SUMMARY : Changes the definition of honey for labeling purposes
to conform to new standards.
The Senate amendments make technical and clarifying changes in
the definition of honey.
EXISTING LAW defines "honey," for labeling purposes, as floral
nectar, gathered and stored in honeycomb by honey bees,
containing not more then 20% water, 1/25 of 1% ash, and not more
than 8% sucrose. Honey must also have a specific gravity of
less then 1.412 and weighing at least 11 pounds and 12 ounces
per gallon. (Food and Agriculture Code Section 29413)
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY, this bill was substantially similar
to the version passed by the Senate.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Committee on
Appropriation, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state
costs.
COMMENTS : This bill changes the current definition of honey to
create a uniform definition for honey that will protect honey
consumers, packers, and producers from deceptive product
labeling. This is part of an effort to make a uniform honey
definition across the United States. This bill uses a
definition that takes into account the many varieties of honey
and is based on updated scientific standards.
Analysis Prepared by : Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916)
319-2084
AB 1216
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FN: 0002342