§614. Labeling of meat; enforcement; penalties

A. In conformity with and to the extent allowed by the Federal Meat Inspection Act and applicable federal meat inspection regulations, any person, firm, company, corporation, partnership, association, or other business entity which sells processed or unprocessed meat, whether fresh or frozen, in Louisiana after January 1, 2000, shall indicate in clear and conspicuous letters on the meat, the immediate wrapping or container, or a sign included with the display if the meat is displayed for sale or sold unwrapped, either the name of the country of origin preceded by the words "product of" or the country of origin of the meat using one of the following designations: "Imported", "American", or "Blend" of imported and American meats.

B. Whoever violates any provision of this Section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for each act of violation. Each day on which a violation occurs shall be a separate offense. Penalties may be assessed at an adjudicatory hearing held under the Louisiana Weights and Measures Law and in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary an appeal from such adjudicatory hearing shall not be confined to the record and additional testimony and evidence may be considered by the court.

C. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Section and shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section.

D. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to prepared meat which is sold at retail for consumption on the premises and fully cooked meat as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service rules and regulations.

Added by Acts 1981, No. 688, §1; Acts 1999, No. 487, §1.