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HB 817

Georgia Meat Transparency and Source Verification Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Dawson and 2 co-sponsors

The Georgia Meat Transparency Act mandates large meat producers verify livestock origins and practices, boosting consumer trust and public health through clear disclosures.

House Second Readers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 817

Summary of House Bill 817: Georgia Meat Transparency and Source Verification Act

Bill Number: HB 817
Introduced: March 21, 2025
Status: House Second Readers
Authors: Representatives Dickey, Meeks, and Dawson

Purpose and Intent

The Georgia Meat Transparency and Source Verification Act aims to enhance transparency in the marketing and sale of meat products, particularly those labeled as "grassfed," "pasture-raised," or "regeneratively raised." The bill seeks to ensure that large-scale meat producers verify the origin and management history of their livestock, thereby improving consumer trust and public health safeguards.

Key Provisions

Source Verification Requirements

  • Record Keeping: Large-scale meat producers (annual gross sales of at least $1 million) must maintain detailed records of livestock, including:

    • Birth records and original producers.
    • Ownership transfers and location changes.
    • Compliance documentation with USDA standards for marketing claims.

  • Written Disclosures: Meat marketed under specific designations must include clear disclosures at the point of sale, detailing:

    • Whether livestock were sold through markets or auctions.
    • Any culling processes prior to sale.
    • Management practices and feed used.
    • Age of livestock at slaughter.

Health Risk Management

  • Older Cattle Testing: Beef from cattle over five years old must be labeled and undergo testing for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, including:

    • Testing for abnormal prion proteins.
    • Removal of high-risk tissues as per USDA regulations.

  • Avian Influenza Testing: Large-scale poultry producers (annual gross sales of at least $250,000) must:

    • Test a minimum of 3% of live poultry flocks weekly for avian influenza.
    • Maintain testing records for at least five years.

Enforcement and Penalties

  • Violations of the provisions can result in civil penalties:
    • Up to $5,000 for first offenses.
    • Up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses.
  • Potential revocation or suspension of the ability to market under the specified designations.

Additional Provisions

  • Multispecies Producers: Producers marketing multiple types of meat must ensure separate tracking to avoid cross-contamination of claims.
  • Consumer Access: Direct-to-consumer online sales must provide verifiable sourcing information, such as scannable QR codes.

Impact

This legislation will primarily affect large-scale meat and poultry producers in Georgia, requiring them to adopt stricter record-keeping and disclosure practices. Consumers will benefit from increased transparency regarding the origin and management of meat products, potentially leading to more informed purchasing decisions.

Timeline of Legislative Actions

  • March 21, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • March 25, 2025: First reading in the House.
  • March 27, 2025: Second reading in the House.

Conclusion

The Georgia Meat Transparency and Source Verification Act represents a significant step towards improving the integrity of meat marketing in Georgia. By mandating source verification and health risk management practices, the bill aims to protect consumers and enhance the overall quality of meat products in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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