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To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to establish and carry out a pilot program to use blockchain technology in food safety and labeling.

3/8/2024, 4:45 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4199

Bill 118 hr 4199, also known as the Blockchain Technology in Food Safety and Labeling Pilot Program Act, aims to amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998. The bill proposes the establishment and implementation of a pilot program that utilizes blockchain technology in the realm of food safety and labeling.

Blockchain technology is a decentralized, secure, and transparent system that allows for the tracking and verification of data in a tamper-proof manner. By incorporating blockchain technology into the food industry, the goal is to enhance the safety and accuracy of food labeling, as well as improve traceability throughout the supply chain.

The pilot program outlined in the bill will test the effectiveness of using blockchain technology in food safety and labeling by partnering with various stakeholders in the food industry. This includes farmers, producers, distributors, retailers, and regulatory agencies. The program will focus on tracking the journey of food products from farm to table, ensuring that accurate information about the product's origin, production methods, and safety measures are readily available to consumers. By leveraging blockchain technology, the pilot program aims to increase consumer trust in the food supply chain, reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, and improve overall food safety standards. The results of the pilot program will be evaluated to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of implementing blockchain technology on a larger scale in the food industry. Overall, Bill 118 hr 4199 seeks to explore the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing food safety and labeling practices, ultimately benefiting both consumers and industry stakeholders.

Congressional Summary of HR 4199

This bill directs the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish and carry out a pilot program to use blockchain technology in food safety and food labeling. (In general, a blockchain is a digital database containing information that can be simultaneously used and shared within a large decentralized, publicly accessible network.)

Specifically, the pilot program must, to the extent practicable, use blockchain technology to (1) trace food that may be adulterated and food that has been subject to a voluntary or mandatory recall; and (2) verify that food labeled as organic has been produced and handled in accordance with specific organic certification standards.

The Department of Agriculture must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Food and Drug Administration to implement the program.

Current Status of Bill HR 4199

Bill HR 4199 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 16, 2023. Bill HR 4199 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on June 16, 2023.  Bill HR 4199's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. as of August 21, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4199

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4199

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Potential Impact Areas

- Advanced technology and technological innovations
- Agricultural practices and innovations
- Computers and information technology
- Food supply, safety, and labeling
- Meat

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4199

To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to establish and carry out a pilot program to use blockchain technology in food safety and labeling.
To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to establish and carry out a pilot program to use blockchain technology in food safety and labeling.

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