StarBulletin.com

Gas-treated meat, fish must be labeled


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POSTED: Monday, May 11, 2009

Meat and fish treated with gas will have to be so labeled under a measure passed last week by the Legislature and sent to the governor.

The bill, House Bill 128, would require stores to accurately label meat and fish that has been gassed to enhance the color or approximate the appearance of freshness.

Carbon monoxide is one of the gases used.

The state Department of Agriculture would also be required to post notice of the new labeling rules on its Web site. Violations could be punished with a fine of $1,000 for the initial violation and $2,000 for each subsequent violation.

Advocates say the public should be aware of gas treatments to products they consume.