I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 3363 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 3, 2011 Mr. Welch (for himself, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Owens, and Ms. Pingree of Maine) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit fraudulently representing a product to be maple syrup.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Maple Agriculture Protection and Law Enforcement Act of 2011 or the MAPLE Act.
2.
Fraudulently representing a product as maple syrup
(a)
In general
Chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
1041.
Fraudulently representing a product as maple syrup
(a)
Definition
In this section, the term maple syrup means a liquid food— (1)derived by— (A)concentration and heat treatment of the sap of a species of tree in the genus Acer (commonly known as maple trees); or (B)solution in water of maple sugar (commonly know as maple concrete) made from the sap of a species of tree in the genus Acer; (2)that is not less than 66 percent by weight of soluble solids derived solely from the sap of a species of tree in the genus Acer; and (3)the concentration of which may be adjusted by adding water. (b)
Offense
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly and willfully introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce a product that is labeled as maple syrup and that is not maple syrup. (2)
Exception
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a product labeled as maple syrup that is not maple syrup if the label also includes a clear identification of the true nature of the product. (c)
Penalty
Any person that violates subsection (b) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.
. (b)
Technical and conforming amendment
The table of sections for chapter 47 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1041. Fraudulently representing a product as maple syrup. .