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Bill H.113
Resolved,
Section 1. Establishment of Commission
There is hereby established a special commission, to be known as the "Commission to Study the Safety of Food and Food Additives" (hereinafter "the Commission"), to investigate and make recommendations concerning the safety of certain foods and food additives
Section 2. Membership
The Commission shall consist of the following members:
(a) Three medical professionals appointed by the Governor, with expertise in public health, nutrition, or endocrinology.
(b) Two registered dietitians appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, specializing in clinical nutrition and public health nutrition.
(c) Two agricultural or food scientists appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, with knowledge in food safety and additive effects.
(d) One representative from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
(e) One representative from the Massachusetts Food Association.
(f) One consumer advocate appointed by the Attorney General, focused on food safety and consumer rights.
(g) One environmental scientist appointed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, with expertise in the environmental impact of food production.
(h) One pediatrician appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, to address the impact of food additives on children.
(i) Two representatives from a local farmers' market, organic or regenerative farming group, appointed by the Speaker of the House.
(j) Two representatives from a local farmers' market. organic or regenerative farming group, appointed by the Senate President.
The Governor shall appoint the chair of the Commission from among its members.
Section 3. Scope of Study
The Commission shall study the following foods and food additives, among others it may deem relevant:
(a) High Fructose Corn Syrup
(b) Seed Oils; including but not limited to soybean, canola, corn, cottonseed, and sunflower oils
(c) Artificial Coloring Dyes
(d) Monosodium Glutamate
(e) Artificial Sweeteners; including but not limited to Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharin
(f) Trans Fats
(g) Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate used in processed meats
(h) Bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging
The Commission may also consider emerging additives or foods of concern based on public discourse, scientific studies, or recommendations by local, state, and federal health agencies.
Section 4. Powers and Duties
The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) To hold public hearings and conduct research.
(b) To employ staff necessary to carry out its functions.
(c) To issue subpoenas for the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5. Reporting
The Commission shall issue a report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the public no later than two years from the date of its first meeting. This report shall include:
(a) An assessment of the health impacts of the studied foods and additives.
(b) Recommendations for legislative or regulatory actions to improve food safety.
(c) Suggestions for public education campaigns on food health.
Section 6. Funding
There is hereby appropriated from the General Fund the sum of $2,000,000 for the biennium to fund the operations of the Commission, including staff salaries, research, hearings, and other necessary expenditures.
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