By: Virdell H.B. No. 1374
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the labeling of beef, pork, beef products, and pork
products; providing a civil penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 431, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 431.085 to read as follows:
Sec. 431.085. REQUIRED LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, BEEF
PRODUCTS, AND PORK PRODUCTS; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) A retailer of
beef, pork, or a beef or pork product shall affix a label to the
container of the meat or product designating the country of origin
of the meat or of the meat used to make the product. If any
unwrapped or unpackaged beef, pork, or beef or pork product is
displayed for sale, the retailer shall clearly label with the
country of origin the display case or container in which the meat or
product is displayed.
(b) A retailer who violates Subsection (a) is liable to this
state for a civil penalty of $1,000 for each day the violation
continues.
(c) The attorney general may sue to collect a civil penalty
under this section and may recover reasonable expenses incurred in
obtaining the penalty, including investigative costs, court costs,
reasonable attorney's fees, witness fees, and deposition expenses.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.