BILL REQ. #:  H-3436.1 

Read first time 01/12/12.   Referred to Committee on Business & Financial Services.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring the labeling of ceremonially or religiously prepared foods; adding a new chapter to Title 69 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Ceremonially or religiously prepared food" means a food product that has been prepared, processed, manufactured, maintained, or sold in accordance with the requisites of traditional ceremonial or religious dietary laws or practices, such as halal or kosher products.
     (2) "Food product" includes any article other than drugs, whether in raw or prepared form, liquid or solid, or packaged or unpackaged, and that is used for human consumption.
     (3) "Person" includes individuals, partnerships, corporations, and associations.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) No person may knowingly sell or offer for sale any ceremonially or religiously prepared food unless the food is conspicuously labeled as a ceremonially or religiously prepared food, including the name of the practice followed in its production.
     (2) A person violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The legislature finds that the practices covered by this chapter are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. A violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 69 RCW.