There are 1600 chemicals allowed in our food that are banned in Europe.
Let’s have our labels announce when they contain chemicals that are banned elsewhere.
CLEAR Act: Consumers’ Labeling for Education and Accountability in Regulations Act
Section 1. Title
This Act shall be known as the “CLEAR Act.”
Section 2. Findings
Congress finds the following:
- Transparency in product labeling empowers consumers to make informed choices that align with their health, safety, and ethical values.
- Many ingredients permitted in food and consumer products in the United States are banned in other countries due to significant health or safety concerns.
- Providing clear and truthful labeling about such ingredients enhances public trust, improves health outcomes, and holds manufacturers accountable.
Section 3. Definitions
For the purposes of this Act:
- Ingredient: Any substance, including food additives and processing aids, used in the manufacture or preparation of food or consumer products.
- Banned: Prohibited for use in food or consumer products by regulatory agencies in other countries based on safety or health risks.
Section 4. Labeling Requirements
(a) Mandatory Disclosure
Any food or consumer product sold in the United States containing ingredients or additives that are banned in other countries must include the following statement on its packaging:
This product contains [ingredient name], which is banned in [list of countries/regions, e.g., European Union, Canada, etc.]."
(b) Label Presentation
The disclosure must:
- Appear in a font size no smaller than the largest size used for the product’s nutritional or ingredient information.
- Be displayed in a conspicuous location on the packaging, easily visible to consumers.
(c) Scope of Application
The labeling requirement applies to all products distributed for retail sale in the United States.
Section 5. Oversight and Enforcement
(a) Authority
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall oversee compliance with this Act.
(b) Compliance Measures
- Manufacturers must provide documentation of ingredient safety and labeling compliance upon request.
- Civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation shall be imposed for non-compliance.
- Repeat violations may result in mandatory product recalls or additional penalties.
(c) Consumer Reporting Mechanism
The FDA shall establish an online platform where consumers can report potential violations of the CLEAR Act.
Section 6. Public Education and Database
(a) The FDA shall create and maintain a publicly accessible online database listing:
- Ingredients and additives banned in other countries.
- Reasons for the bans and the countries/regions where they are prohibited.
(b) Educational materials shall be developed to inform the public about the risks associated with banned ingredients.
Section 7. Effective Date
The CLEAR Act shall take effect 6 months after the date of its enactment to provide sufficient time for manufacturers to comply with its provisions.
The CLEAR Act prioritizes transparency, accountability, and consumer safety, ensuring that Americans are fully informed about the products they consume and their global regulatory status.
