HONOLULU – Meat and fish packaged in modified atmosphere packaging will have to be so labeled under a measure passed May 5 by the Hawaii Legislature and sent to the governor, according to The Associated Press.
Stores would be required to accurately label meat and fish that have been packaged in M.A.P. systems designed to enhance the color and extend shelf life. Carbon monoxide is one of the gasses used in such systems.
Hawaii’s state Department of Agriculture would also be required to post notice of the new labeling rules on its Web site. Violations could be punished with a fine of $1,000 for the initial violation and $2,000 for each subsequent violation. The public should be aware of gas used in packaging systems for products they consume, advocates claim.