Real Food and Drink Act of 2024
Section 1: Title
This Act shall be known as the “Real Food and Drink Act of 2024.”
Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to define and promote the consumption of real food and drink, ensuring transparency in labeling and protecting consumers from altered or modified products.
Section 3: Definition of Real Food and Drink
- Real Food:
- Real food is defined as all edible produce and products that have not been altered or modified and can be grown or raised in natural environments, including soil or water.
- Real Drink:
- The only real drink is unaltered, non-modified water. All other liquids shall be classified based on their modification status.
Section 4: Labeling Requirements
- Warning Label for Altered/Modified Food:
- Any food product that has been altered or modified, including those grown from altered or modified seeds, shall be labeled with the following warning:
“WARNING: ALTERED/MODIFIED FOOD” - The label must have a yellow background with black lettering and occupy at least 33% of the product container size.
- Any food product that has been altered or modified, including those grown from altered or modified seeds, shall be labeled with the following warning:
- Taxation on Altered/Modified Products:
- All altered or modified food products shall be subject to a tax of 50% of the retail price.
- All forms of sugar shall also carry the warning label and be taxed at 75% of the retail price.
- All liquid foods or drinks containing alcohol shall bear the warning label and be taxed at 90% of the retail price.
Section 5: Enforcement and Penalties
- Violations:
- Any company or business that violates the provisions of this Act shall be subject to fines. Fines shall be determined based on the severity and frequency of the violation, with a minimum fine of $10,000 for each incident.
- Imprisonment:
- Severe violations, particularly those involving intentional misleading of consumers or repeated offenses, may result in imprisonment for up to 5 years.
- Loss of Business License:
- Companies with repeated violations of this Act may face the revocation of their business license, subject to a review by relevant regulatory authorities.
Section 6: Implementation and Review
- Effective Date:
- This Act shall take effect 180 days after its enactment to provide sufficient time for compliance and public awareness.
- Review:
- The Act shall be reviewed every five years to assess its effectiveness and to make any necessary adjustments to the definitions and labeling requirements.
Section 7: Public Awareness
- Education Campaign:
- A public awareness campaign shall be conducted to inform consumers about the definitions established by this Act and the implications of the labeling requirements.
- Training for Retailers:
- Retailers shall be required to undergo training regarding compliance with labeling and taxation provisions.
Section 8: Severability
- Severability Clause:
- If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
End of Act
The Real Food and Drink Act of 2024 aims to ensure that consumers are informed about the products they consume, promoting health and transparency while imposing strict penalties for non-compliance. By clearly defining what constitutes real food and drink, this Act seeks to protect public health and encourage a return to natural eating and drinking habits.
