This bill, titled the "Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act," mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a voluntary food climate labeling program . This program will be developed and operated in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission. Food manufacturers, importers, distributors, or sellers can apply to place the label on their products, with authorization granted by the EPA based on their commitment to adhere to program requirements, not on an assessment of the food's environmental benefits. The EPA will specify the visual form of the food climate label, the information it includes, and the method for verifying that information, consulting with food industry stakeholders. The label will feature two numerical summaries of total greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food's lifecycle, covering stages from ingredient growing and processing to packaging, distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life. A QR code will provide electronic access to additional details, including voluntary commitments to reduce emissions and a publicly accessible database. The verification method for the label information must adhere to uniform standards, involve certified entities for measurement and reporting, and utilize the best available scientific information, considering international carbon accounting standards like ISO 14040 and the GHG Protocol. The bill also requires the EPA to establish a program for voluntary commitments to reduce emissions, create a public database of program information, and conduct consumer outreach. Penalties for fraudulent use of the label include civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Environmental Protection
Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act
USA119th CongressHR-848| House
| Updated: 1/31/2025
This bill, titled the "Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act," mandates the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a voluntary food climate labeling program . This program will be developed and operated in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission. Food manufacturers, importers, distributors, or sellers can apply to place the label on their products, with authorization granted by the EPA based on their commitment to adhere to program requirements, not on an assessment of the food's environmental benefits. The EPA will specify the visual form of the food climate label, the information it includes, and the method for verifying that information, consulting with food industry stakeholders. The label will feature two numerical summaries of total greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food's lifecycle, covering stages from ingredient growing and processing to packaging, distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life. A QR code will provide electronic access to additional details, including voluntary commitments to reduce emissions and a publicly accessible database. The verification method for the label information must adhere to uniform standards, involve certified entities for measurement and reporting, and utilize the best available scientific information, considering international carbon accounting standards like ISO 14040 and the GHG Protocol. The bill also requires the EPA to establish a program for voluntary commitments to reduce emissions, create a public database of program information, and conduct consumer outreach. Penalties for fraudulent use of the label include civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation.