California Assembly Bill AB535

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/21
• Refer: 2/18/21
• Report Pass: 3/18/21
• Refer: 3/22/21
• Refer: 3/25/21
• Report Pass: 4/14/21
• Refer: 4/14/21
• Report Pass: 4/21/21
• Engrossed: 5/17/21
• Refer: 5/18/21
• Refer: 5/27/21
• Report Pass: 6/9/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 6/28/21
• Refer: 6/28/21
• Report Pass: 7/1/21
• Refer: 7/1/21
• Report Pass: 7/14/21
• Refer: 7/15/21
• Enrolled: 9/1/21
• Chaptered: 10/4/21
• Passed: 10/4/21

Caption

Olive oil: labeling.

Impact

The enactment of AB 535 will effectively strengthen the current food labeling laws under the Health and Safety Code. By enforcing strict labeling measures, the bill is intended to prevent misleading statements that could confuse consumers about the provenance of olive oil products. It not only emphasizes local agricultural standards but also aligns with the California Marketing Act of 1937, which empowers the Department of Food and Agriculture to ensure the quality of commodities produced in the state. The implications of the bill reinforce the state's commitment to quality control in its agricultural sector, particularly in high-stakes markets like olive oil.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 535, known as the Olive Oil Labeling Act, seeks to amend the existing regulations concerning the labeling of olive oil products in California. The legislation mandates that any olive oil labeled as coming from California must be derived solely from olives grown within the state, establishing a 100% requirement for the designation 'California Olive Oil'. Furthermore, olive oils that contain oils from outside California must clearly disclose the percentage of California-grown olives on their labels. This aims to enhance consumer transparency in food labeling and to protect the integrity of California olive oil, a significant agricultural product for the state.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment regarding AB 535 has been generally supportive among legislators and consumers who value product authenticity. Advocates argue that the bill promotes ethical labeling practices and consumer rights. However, there are concerns among some producers about the potential economic implications of stricter labeling requirements, especially for small-scale producers who may blend oils. The debate reflects a growing trend towards transparency in food labeling, indicative of increased consumer awareness and demand for genuine local products.

Contention

Contention surrounding the bill primarily focuses on the economic impact it might have on olive oil producers who source olives from outside California. There are apprehensions that the stringent regulations could lead to increased costs for producers, particularly those that do not operate solely within California’s agricultural context. Proponents assert that the long-term benefits of consumer trust and market integrity outweigh these concerns, but opponents fear that compliance costs could threaten the competitiveness of California's olive oil in a broader market.