SB 6471 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)
Requires labeling of the origin of fruits and vegetables grown in the United States or grown in Washington state.
Finds that consumers should be given the ability to make an informed choice to buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown in Washington state as a means of supporting the economy of the state.
Provides that stores or other businesses offering fresh fruit and vegetables for retail sale to consumers shall place a placard on the bin, shelf, or other location the product is displayed that informs the consumer where the fruit or vegetable was grown if it was grown in the United States or grown in Washington.
VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6471
March 14, 2002
To the Honorable President and Members,
The Senate of the State of Washington
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am returning herewith, without my approval as to subsection 3, Senate Bill No. 6471 entitled:
"AN ACT Relating to labeling of agricultural products by place of origin;"
Senate Bill No. 6471 requires grocery stores or other businesses offering fresh fruit and vegetables to either display a placard near the produce stating if it was "Grown in the United States" or "Grown in Washington," or to label each piece of produce individually. Subsection 3 of the bill would have allowed a retailer failing to do so to be fined up to $250 on the second violation and up to $1000 on the third violation in a calendar year.
I agree with the intent of the bill, which is to reveal the origin of produce to consumers. However, the penalties established in subsection 3 of the bill are excessive. Subsection 3 would normally be a separate section, and even refers to itself as a section. For these and other reasons, it is subject to veto.
For these reasons, I have vetoed subsection 3 of Senate Bill No. 6471.
With the exception of subsection 3, Senate Bill No. 6471 is approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Locke
Governor