reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.32 — Reports; Information Furnished.

31.32 REPORTS; INFORMATION FURNISHED.
The commissioner shall issue public bulletins of information, report and publish the conditions found in canning factories, furnish and disseminate information regarding the canning industry, and for that purpose may arrange for educational exhibits and demonstrations, public meetings, and give instructions to processors and superintendents of canneries; such information shall be available to any person who is a resident of this state, or those now engaged in the business of canning, and to those who may hereafter engage therein who may properly apply therefor.
History:
(3836) 1921 c 495 s 47
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.36 — Rules For Canneries.

31.36 RULES FOR CANNERIES.
The commissioner, in the manner provided by law, may prescribe rules for the operations of canneries, and proper labels, standards, and definitions of grades on products of canneries.
History:
(3840) 1921 c 495 s 51; 1961 c 144 art 4 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.37 — Notice Of Intention To Operate.

31.37 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OPERATE.
Any person owning or operating a canning factory shall, by written notice on or before June first, of each year, notify the commissioner whether or not such factory is to be operated during that season or year, giving kinds and varieties of products to be canned or manufactured that season. At least ten days prior to the beginning of operation of any canning factory, the commissioner shall be notified, in writing, of such intended operation. On or before November fifteenth, of each year, the owner, manager, or superintendent of such factory shall furnish the commissioner, agent, or inspector, with a report giving such information concerning the factory as the commissioner, agent, or inspector may require.
History:
(3841) 1921 c 495 s 52; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.38 — Certificate Of Inspection, Commercial Canneries; Labels, Brands.

31.38 CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, COMMERCIAL CANNERIES; LABELS, BRANDS.
The commissioner shall furnish to each commercial cannery that shall have fully complied with the provisions of sections 31.31 to 31.392, a certificate of inspection that such cannery has been inspected and has complied with all laws and rules applying thereto. The commissioner may authorize the proprietor of such cannery to use the following or similar label or brand on products: "Packed under rules of, and in cannery inspected by Minnesota Department of Agriculture," or such other label, trademark, device, brand, or guarantee certificate as the commissioner may designate or adopt.
History:
(3842) 1921 c 495 s 53; 1927 c 177 s 4; 1961 c 113 s 1; 1961 c 144 art 4 s 3; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.39 — Assessments; Inspection Services; Commercial Canneries Account.

31.39 ASSESSMENTS; INSPECTION SERVICES; COMMERCIAL CANNERIES ACCOUNT.
Subdivision 1.
Assessments.
The commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to collect from each commercial cannery an assessment for inspection and services furnished, and for maintaining a bacteriological laboratory and employing such bacteriologists and trained and qualified sanitarians as the commissioner may deem necessary. The assessment to be made on each commercial cannery, for each and every packing season, shall not exceed one-half cent per case on all foods packed, canned, or preserved therein, nor shall the assessment in any one calendar year to any one cannery exceed $6,000, and the minimum assessment to any cannery in any one calendar year shall be $100. The commissioner shall provide appropriate deductions from assessments for the net weight of meat, chicken, or turkey ingredients which have been inspected and passed for wholesomeness by the United States Department of Agriculture. The commissioner may, when the commissioner deems it advisable, graduate and reduce the assessment to such sum as is required to furnish the inspection and laboratory services rendered. The amount of the assessment shall be due and payable on or before December 31, of each year, and if not paid on or before February 15 following, shall bear interest after that date at the rate of seven percent per annum, and a penalty of ten percent on the amount of the assessment shall also be added and collected.
Subd. 2.
Commercial canneries inspection account; appropriation.
A commercial canneries inspection account is created in the agricultural fund. The assessments collected under subdivision 1 shall be deposited in the commercial canneries inspection account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner to meet the expense of special inspection, laboratory, and other services rendered, as provided in sections 31.31 to 31.392.
History:
(3843) 1921 c 495 s 55; 1923 c 379 s 1; 1925 c 385 s 1; 1927 c 177 s 5; 1947 c 558 s 3; 1961 c 144 art 4 s 4; 1967 c 673 s 3; 1971 c 339 s 21; 1975 c 412 s 19; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 254 art 3 s 17; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 54
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.51 — Definitions.

31.51 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
For the purpose of sections 31.51 to 31.56, the terms defined in this section have the meanings ascribed to them.
Subd. 2.
Slaughter house.
"Slaughter house" means an establishment in which animals other than poultry are slaughtered, eviscerated, or dressed for human food.
Subd. 3.
Retail meat market; wholesale meat processing establishment.
"Retail meat market" or "wholesale meat processing establishment" means an establishment with or without slaughtering facilities, where animal carcasses or edible products derived therefrom are cured, salted, processed, packaged, or otherwise prepared for sale as food intended for human consumption; provided, however, that retail meat market or wholesale meat processing establishment does not include: (1) a purveyor of meals, or (2) a frozen food processing plant in which no slaughtering operations are conducted.
Subd. 4.
Sausage plant.
"Sausage plant" means an establishment in which meats are processed into sausages or other similar products and packed for shipment, storage, or for wholesale sales.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 1969 c 87 s 7]
Subd. 6.
Poultry dressing plant.
"Poultry dressing plant" means an establishment in which poultry is killed and dressed for human food.
Subd. 7.
[Repealed, 1969 c 87 s 7]
Subd. 8.
Rabbit dressing plant.
"Rabbit dressing plant" means an establishment in which rabbits are killed and dressed for human food.
Subd. 9.
Animal.
"Animal" means cattle, swine, sheep, goats, farmed Cervidae, as defined in section 35.153, subdivision 3, horses, mules or other equines, llamas as defined in section 17.455, subdivision 2, and Ratitae, as defined in section 17.453, subdivision 3.
Subd. 10.
[Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
Subd. 11.
[Repealed, 1963 c 598 s 4]
Subd. 12.
[Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
Subd. 13.
[Repealed, 1969 c 87 s 7]
Subd. 14.
Purveyor of meals.
"Purveyor of meals" means a person who cooks or otherwise prepares for sale directly to the consumer meat or poultry products from animals or poultry which have been slaughtered or processed in a state licensed establishment, or an establishment holding a state permit or in an establishment which is under the inspection program of the United States Department of Agriculture.
History:
1955 c 494 s 1; 1959 c 284 s 1-5; 1961 c 113 s 1; 1961 c 560 s 2,3; 1963 c 598 s 1; 1969 c 87 s 1-4; 1983 c 300 s 15; 1993 c 375 art 9 s 8; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 12; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 22; 2013 c 125 art 1 s 20
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.53 — Inspections; Corrective Orders.

31.53 INSPECTIONS; CORRECTIVE ORDERS.
The commissioner shall at such times as the commissioner deems necessary cause any plant processor or place of business where animal or poultry slaughtering, packing or processing occurs, to be inspected and shall make such order as is necessary to correct unsanitary conditions in any such plant. Each order shall specify the time within which it shall be complied with, and such order shall be served in person or by certified mail. Failure to comply with such orders within the time stated shall be deemed a violation of this section. The commissioner or any of the commissioner's representatives or inspectors may enter any plant or any place of business in which such operations are being conducted, at any reasonable hour for inspection purposes. Free access to every part of the premises shall be afforded and aid and assistance necessary to enable the person making the inspection to make a thorough and complete examination shall be given.
History:
1955 c 494 s 3; 1969 c 87 s 6; 1978 c 674 s 60; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.54 — Rules.

31.54 RULES.
The commissioner may, in order to supplement federal regulation and inspection of any plant, processor or place of business, promulgate rules covering the construction and operation of such plants or processor, the water supply, sanitary conditions and disposal of sewage, offal, vapors, odors and gases and all other sanitary conditions and precautions for the purpose of insuring the purity of the products prepared at any such plant or place of business in which such operations will be or are conducted, where such operations are not then federally inspected or licensed.
History:
1955 c 494 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.56 — Limitation.

31.56 LIMITATION.
Subdivision 1.
Farmer's own animals.
Sections 31.51 to 31.56 do not apply to a farmer slaughtering the farmer's own rabbits or poultry on the farmer's own farm for: (1) personal use, (2) the use of the farmer's immediate family, or (3) sale directly to the ultimate consumer; or to the farmer slaughtering the farmer's own animals on the farmer's own farm for personal use or the use of the farmer's household and nonpaying guests and employees.
Subd. 2.
Dead or dying animals.
No animals, poultry, or rabbits that were in a dying condition when killed, nor animals that have died as a result of accident or of natural causes or disease, shall be accepted, for any purpose whatsoever into any establishment licensed under sections 28A.04 to 28A.10.
Subd. 3.
Injured animals slaughtered elsewhere.
When it is necessary to slaughter an injured animal at a location other than in an approved establishment, the carcass may be accepted into an approved establishment provided that the carcass with the head and all viscera, except the stomach, bladder and intestines, held by the natural attachments is inspected and approved for further processing by a licensed veterinarian.
Subd. 4.
Procedures in same establishment.
Every animal which is eviscerated in a state licensed establishment must have been killed and bled in the establishment.
Subd. 5.
Prohibited sales.
Except as provided in this section, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or possess with intent to sell any meat, poultry, or rabbit product unless said product comes from animals, poultry, or rabbits which have been slaughtered or processed in establishments which are licensed by the state or are under the inspection program of the United States Department of Agriculture.
History:
1955 c 494 s 6; 1959 c 284 s 7; 1963 c 598 s 3; 1971 c 25 s 14; 1971 c 339 s 24; 1983 c 300 s 16; 1986 c 444; 2013 c 125 art 1 s 21
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.59 — Humane Slaughter Of Livestock; Definitions.

31.59 HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK; DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
For the purposes of sections 31.59 to 31.591, the following terms have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.
Slaughterer.
"Slaughterer" means any person, partnership, corporation, or association regularly engaged in the commercial slaughtering of livestock.
Subd. 3.
Livestock.
"Livestock" means cattle, horses, swine, sheep and goats.
Subd. 4.
Humane methods.
"Humane methods" means:
(1) Any method of slaughtering livestock which normally causes animals to be rendered insensible to pain by a single blow of a mechanical instrument or shot of a firearm or by chemical, or other means that are rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or
(2) The methods of preparation necessary to safe handling of the animals for Halal ritual slaughter, Jewish ritual slaughter and of slaughtering required by the ritual of the Islamic or Jewish faith, whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument.
Subd. 5.
Inhumane method.
The use of a manually operated hammer or sledge is declared an inhumane method of slaughter.
History:
1959 c 670 s 1; 2001 c 54 s 1; 2013 c 125 art 1 s 22
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.591 — Slaughter Must Be Humane.

31.591 SLAUGHTER MUST BE HUMANE.
After July 1, 1961, no slaughterer may slaughter livestock or handle livestock in connection with slaughter except by humane method.
History:
1959 c 670 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.60 — Meat Industry Division.

31.60 MEAT INDUSTRY DIVISION.
Subdivision 1.
Division duties; director; personnel.
A Meat Industry Division is created in the Department of Agriculture which shall enforce and administer laws enforced and administered by the commissioner of agriculture relating to meat, fish, and dressed poultry, except laws enforced and administered by the Division of Poultry Industries. The Meat Industry Division is under the supervision of a director in the classified service. The commissioner shall appoint the director, who shall be experienced and knowledgeable in the meat industry.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1983 c 260 s 68]
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1983 c 260 s 68]
History:
Ex1967 c 36 s 1; 1973 c 507 s 45; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 315 s 5,6; 1980 c 617 s 47; 2008 c 204 s 42; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 60
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.601 — Protection Of Meat.

31.601 PROTECTION OF MEAT.
Every dealer in meats, fish, fowl, or game for human food, at the place of offering or exposing for sale, and in the transportation of such food from place to place to customers, shall protect the same from dust, flies, and other vermin or substance which may injuriously affect it, by securely covering it while being so offered or exposed for sale or transported. Every violation of the foregoing provision shall be a misdemeanor.
History:
(3825) 1921 c 495 s 36
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.602 — Sale Of Unwholesome Poultry Or Game.

31.602 SALE OF UNWHOLESOME POULTRY OR GAME.
Every person who shall offer or expose for sale at retail, for human food, at any public market, store, shop, or house, or in or about any street or other public place, any domestic or wild fowls, or any slaughtered rabbits, squirrels, or other small animals, wild or tame, unless the entrails, crops, or other offensive parts are properly drawn and removed shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History:
(10251) RL s 4994
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.611 — Veal.

31.611 VEAL.
No person shall sell, offer or expose for sale, or have in possession with intent to sell, the veal of calves killed when less than four weeks old. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $50, or by imprisonment for not less than 60 days.
History:
(3826) 1921 c 495 s 37
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.621 — Sale Of Horse Meat For Human Consumption.

31.621 SALE OF HORSE MEAT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
Subdivision 1.
Requirements.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer or expose for sale, or have in possession with intent to sell, horse meat for human consumption:
(1) unless a sign is posted in a conspicuous place both inside and outside the store, eating establishment, or building in which said meat is sold or offered or exposed for sale, reading "horse meat sold here";
(2) unless the counter or container in which the same is offered or exposed for sale is plainly and conspicuously marked with the words "horse meat" and no other meat of any kind shall be placed in the same container with horse meat; if horse meat is placed in the same counter with other cuts of meat each cut shall be plainly labeled "horse meat";
(3) unless all packages, boxes or containers in which horse meat is delivered to the purchaser shall be plainly and conspicuously marked with the words "horse meat."
Subd. 2.
Sales in restaurants and boarding houses.
It shall be unlawful for any restaurant, boarding house or other place where food is served to the public to prepare or serve horse meat to any customer or patron unless a sign is posted in a conspicuous place, both inside and outside the building or restaurant in which such meat is prepared and sold reading "horse meat served here," and unless the same words are printed or typed on all menus used therein.
Subd. 3.
Mixed meat.
In the event that horse meat is mixed with any other kind of meat, the mixture shall be considered as horse meat and its sale, preparation or serving shall be subject to all of the provisions of this section.
Subd. 4.
Enforcement.
The commissioner shall enforce the provisions of this section.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 2012 c 244 art 2 s 36]
History:
1943 c 446 s 1-5; 1959 c 606 s 10; 1961 c 144 art 2 s 18; 1965 c 45 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.631 — Horse Meat Intended For Other Than Human Consumption.

31.631 HORSE MEAT INTENDED FOR OTHER THAN HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
Subdivision 1.
Preparation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to offer or expose for sale, or possess or traffic in, any horse meat with intent to use or sell the same for other than human consumption unless it is denatured or decharacterized so as to make it readily distinguishable from horse meat intended for human consumption, or unless it complies with federal laws and regulations applicable thereto.
Subd. 2.
Labels.
All packing boxes and containers containing denatured horse meat shall bear thereon in a conspicuous manner in boldface type not less than one-half inch in height the statement "FOR ANIMAL FOOD ONLY." Such statement shall be printed or form a part of the main label affixed to or stamped on such packing boxes or containers, or shall be stamped on the same end or side of such packing boxes or containers that such main label is affixed or stamped thereon.
Subd. 3.
Inspection.
For obtaining information regarding compliance with law the commissioner of agriculture, and any of the commissioner's agents, representatives or employees, shall have access to all places, buildings or premises, and to all wagons, automobiles, vehicles or cars used in the preparation, production, distribution, transportation, exposing for sale or sale of any horse meat not intended for sale or use for human consumption and shall have such other authority as is provided in section 31.04.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2012 c 244 art 2 s 36]
History:
1953 c 583 s 1-4; 1961 c 113 s 1; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.632 — Minnesota Approved Meats And Poultry; Use Of Label.

31.632 MINNESOTA APPROVED MEATS AND POULTRY; USE OF LABEL.
The commissioner may authorize, pursuant to rules promulgated in the manner provided by law, the use of the label "Minnesota Approved" on meats, meat products, poultry, and poultry products processed by persons licensed under sections 31.51 to 31.56, or by establishments under the inspection program of the United States Department of Agriculture, if the ingredients of the poultry, poultry products, meats, and meat products are meat, meat by-products, poultry, poultry products, or meat food products which have been inspected and passed by the United States Department of Agriculture, or the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and further if the poultry, poultry products, meats, and meat products, after such processing, are sound, healthful, wholesome, and fit for human food. A person or establishment desiring to label poultry, poultry products, meats, and meat products as provided in this section shall apply to the commissioner for authority to do so. The commissioner shall grant this authority to the applicant if the applicant complies with the provisions of this section and rules promulgated pursuant to this section. A person using the label "Minnesota Approved" on poultry, poultry products, meat, or meat products contrary to law is guilty of a misdemeanor.
History:
1963 c 187 s 1; 1969 c 663 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 2000 c 477 s 31; 2013 c 125 art 1 s 23
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.633 — Meat Or Poultry Substitutes; Indication On Menu; Penalties.

31.633 MEAT OR POULTRY SUBSTITUTES; INDICATION ON MENU; PENALTIES.
Subdivision 1.
Menu requirement.
Any restaurant, eating place, or other establishment serving meat or poultry in any form to the public that has any filler or meat or poultry substitute added to it or incorporated in it, shall clearly and prominently indicate on its menu or bill of fare the meat entrees that contain filler or meat or poultry substitutes.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 2012 c 244 art 2 s 36]
History:
1975 c 133 s 1; 2000 c 477 s 32
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.651 — Kosher Products, Unlawful Sale.

31.651 KOSHER PRODUCTS, UNLAWFUL SALE.
Subdivision 1.
Kosher requirements.
No person shall sell or expose for sale any poultry, poultry products, meat, or meat preparations and falsely represent the same to be kosher, whether such poultry, poultry products, meat, or meat preparations be raw or prepared for human consumption; nor shall the person permit any such products or the contents of any package or container to be labeled or to have inscribed thereon the word "kosher" in any language unless such products display a stamp, label, or other type of indicia from a rabbinic authority indicating that the products were prepared or processed in accordance with that rabbinic authority, with the name and institutional affiliation and denominational affiliation, if any, of the rabbinic authority identified.
Subd. 2.
Notice required.
Any person who sells or exposes for sale in the same place of business both kosher and nonkosher poultry, meat, or meat preparations, either raw or prepared for human consumption, shall indicate on window signs and all display advertising, in block letters at least four inches in height, "kosher and nonkosher meat and poultry sold here"; and shall display over each kind of poultry, meat, or meat preparation so exposed a sign, in block letters at least two inches in height, reading, "kosher meat," "kosher poultry," "nonkosher meat," or "nonkosher poultry," as the case may be; provided that subdivision 2 shall not apply to persons selling or offering for sale kosher poultry, poultry products, meats, or meat products solely in separate consumer packages, which have been prepackaged and properly labeled "kosher."
Subd. 3.
Presumption.
Possession of nonkosher poultry, poultry products, meat, or meat preparations in any place of business shall be presumptive evidence that the person in possession thereof exposes the same for sale.
Subd. 4.
Prima facie evidence.
The absence of a duly sanctioned kosher "plumba," mark, stamp, tag, brand, or label from any poultry, poultry products, meat, meat preparation, or food product shall be prima facie evidence that such product is nonkosher.
History:
(3826-1) 1929 c 398 s 1; 1959 c 563 s 1; 1986 c 444; 2000 c 477 s 33; 2004 c 232 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.658 — Halal Products.

31.658 HALAL PRODUCTS.
Subdivision 1.
Halal food requirements.
A person must not:
(1) serve, sell, or expose for sale food or food products, meat or meat products, or poultry or poultry products that are falsely represented as Halal;
(2) permit food, food products, meat or meat products, or poultry or poultry products, or the contents of a package or container to be labeled or inscribed with the "Halal" sign unless the food or food products, meat or meat products, or poultry or poultry products have been prepared and maintained in compliance with the laws and customs of the Islamic religion; or
(3) make an oral or written statement that deceives or otherwise leads a reasonable person to believe that non-Halal food or food products, meat or meat products, or poultry or poultry products are Halal.
Subd. 2.
Presumption.
Possession of non-Halal food or food products, meat or meat products, or poultry or poultry products in a place of business is presumptive evidence that the person in possession of them exposes them for sale.
Subd. 3.
Defense.
It is a defense against a charge of misrepresenting non-Halal food or food products, meat or meat products, or poultry or poultry products as Halal that the person relied in good faith upon the representation of a slaughterhouse, manufacturer, processor, packer, distributor, or person or organization which certifies or represents a food or food product, meat or meat product, or poultry or poultry product as having been prepared under or sanctioned by Islamic religious requirements.
History:
2001 c 54 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.671 — Rules.

31.671 RULES.
The commissioner of agriculture shall have the power to promulgate rules for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of sections 31.651 to 31.661.
History:
1959 c 563 s 3; 1961 c 113 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 2013 c 125 art 1 s 24
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.74 — Sale Of Imitation Honey.

31.74 SALE OF IMITATION HONEY.
Subdivision 1.
Honey defined.
As used in this section "honey" means the nectar and saccharine exudation of plants, gathered, modified and stored in the comb by honey bees, which is levorotatory, contains not more than 25 percent of water, not more than 25/100 percent of ash, and not more than eight percent sucrose.
Subd. 2.
Prohibited sale.
Notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, it is unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale any product which is in semblance of honey and which is labeled, advertised, or otherwise represented to be honey, if it is not honey. The word "imitation" shall not be used in the name of a product which is in semblance of honey whether or not it contains any honey. The label for a product which is not in semblance of honey and which contains honey may include the word "honey" in the name of the product and the relative position of the word "honey" in the product name, and in the list of ingredients, when required, shall be determined by its prominence as an ingredient in the product.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 2012 c 244 art 2 s 36]
History:
1974 c 71 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.75 — Artificial Sweetening Products.

31.75 ARTIFICIAL SWEETENING PRODUCTS.
Subdivision 1.
Labeling.
It is lawful for any person, firm, or corporation to manufacture and sell, or cause to be sold, within the state any article of food or beverage intended for human consumption as a special dietary product when such food or beverage is sweetened or made palatable with saccharin, sulfamate, or other artificial sweetening product approved by the commissioner of agriculture, when saccharin, sulfamate, or other approved artificial sweetening product is completely substituted for sugar or other nutritive sweetener in any defined article of food or beverage. The container in which any such food or beverage is sold or offered for sale to the public shall be clearly, legibly, and noticeably labeled. Such label shall contain the following information:
"FOR DIETARY PURPOSES," or "FOR DIETETIC USE," or "ARTIFICIALLY SWEETENED," or substantially similar statements approved by the commissioner, and a statement that the product contains (Name of approved artificial form of sweetening product), and a statement to the effect that the food contains a nonnutritive artificial sweetener, for use by persons who desire to restrict their intake of ordinary sweets.
Subd. 2.
Rules.
For the purpose of protecting the public interest in the manufacture, use, sale and transportation of food and promoting the free flow of approved foods in interstate commerce, and cooperation with the secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture and the commissioner of food and drugs of the United States Food and Drug Administration, the commissioner may prescribe, according to law and rules for the use of nutritive sweeteners and approved artificial, nonnutritive sweeteners separately or in combination in food, which are consistent as is practicable with the rules and regulations established under federal laws.
History:
1953 c 323 s 1; 1961 c 112 s 1; 1961 c 113 s 1; 1969 c 91 s 1; 1969 c 1067 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.76 — Confections Containing Alcohol.

31.76 CONFECTIONS CONTAINING ALCOHOL.
Subdivision 1.
Definition.
"Confection containing alcohol" is a confection that contains or bears not more than five percent alcohol by volume where the alcohol is in a nonliquid form by reason of being mixed with other substances in the manufacture of the confection. "Confection containing alcohol" does not include liqueur-filled candy as defined in section 340A.101, subdivision 15b.
Subd. 2.
Regulations.
(a) A confection containing alcohol may not be sold to any person under the age of 21 years.
(b) Each confection containing alcohol must bear a label that contains (1) a conspicuous, readily legible statement that reads "This product may not be sold to anyone under age 21 years of age," and (2) a conspicuous, readily legible statement to the effect that the product contains less than five percent alcohol by volume.
(c) A confection containing alcohol may be sold only by (1) an exclusive liquor store licensed under chapter 340A, or (2) a business establishment that derives more than 50 percent of its gross sales from the sale of confections.
History:
1992 c 486 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.77 — Sanitation And Products Standards.

31.77 SANITATION AND PRODUCTS STANDARDS.
No city or other lawful authority may require sanitary requirements for bakeries, appurtenances, distribution vehicles, and bakery products, or standards of identity or labeling requirements for bakery products, which are not consistent with laws of this state administered by the state Department of Agriculture or rules promulgated by the commissioner of agriculture. Within 90 days after May 18, 1967, the commissioner shall promulgate rules relating to sanitary requirements for bakeries, appurtenances, distribution vehicles, bakery products, standards of identity and labeling requirements for bakery products which are at least equal to and no lower than those fixed by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
History:
1967 c 522 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.781 — Declaration Of Policy.

31.781 DECLARATION OF POLICY.
The legislature recognizes the entire food industry in the nation as leaders in the world in providing wholesome, nutritious, fresh and clean food to its citizens and to others. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is hereby authorized and directed to promulgate rules which provide for a quality assurance date on perishable foods, to assure this industry's continuation and the degree of improvement reasonable and feasible, so as to provide people with wholesome, nutritious, fresh and clean food.
History:
1973 c 686 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.782 — Definitions.

31.782 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
As used in sections 31.781 to 31.789, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
Subd. 3.
Perishable food.
"Perishable food" means any food intended for human consumption (other than meat and poultry, frozen food, or fresh fruit or vegetables), which has a quality assurance date.
Subd. 4.
Quality assurance date.
"Quality assurance date" means any date after which the manufacturer or processor reasonably determines that the product may, by spoilage, wiltage, drying or any other foreseeable and normal natural phenomenon, lose its palatability or its desired or nutritive properties. The date shall include the day, month, and, if appropriate, the year.
History:
1973 c 686 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.783 — Rules, Scope.

31.783 RULES, SCOPE.
Subdivision 1.
Rules.
The commissioner shall administer and enforce the provisions of sections 31.781 to 31.789 by rules adopted prior to October 1, 1973 pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
Subd. 2.
90 days or less.
Perishable foods which bear a quality assurance date of 90 days or less from the date of packaging shall be dated in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to sections 31.781 to 31.789.
Subd. 3.
More than 90 days.
Perishable foods which bear a quality assurance date of more than 90 days from the date of packaging may require dating in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to sections 31.781 to 31.789.
Subd. 4.
Waiver of rule.
Whenever the commissioner has reason to believe that any rule adopted pursuant to sections 31.781 to 31.789 is inappropriate or unsuitable to any particular perishable food product or products, the commissioner may, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, waive the application of such rules as to such product or products.
History:
1973 c 686 s 3; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.784 — Expiration Of Quality Assurance Date.

31.784 EXPIRATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DATE.
Nothing contained in sections 31.781 to 31.789 or any rule adopted pursuant hereto shall require the removal from sale of a perishable food product after the expiration of the quality assurance date on the product nor imply that after the expiration of the quality assurance date on the product, the product is not wholesome or safe for human consumption.
History:
1973 c 686 s 4; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.785 — Regulations Of Other States And The Federal Government.

31.785 REGULATIONS OF OTHER STATES AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
If any other state, or the federal government, adopts an open dating statute or regulation which provides for information and enforcement equal to or greater than that of sections 31.781 to 31.789, the commissioner may, by rule, exempt any product from the provisions of sections 31.781 to 31.789 if it is in compliance with such other statute or regulation.
History:
1973 c 686 s 5; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.786 — Local Ordinances Preempted.

31.786 LOCAL ORDINANCES PREEMPTED.
No subordinate unit of government may adopt or enforce any rule or ordinance regarding open dating of perishable foods other than sections 31.781 to 31.789.
History:
1973 c 686 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.787 — Enforcement.

31.787 ENFORCEMENT.
In enforcing the provisions of sections 31.781 to 31.789, the commissioner may receive complaints and investigate possible violations. The commissioner and the commissioner's employees shall have reasonable access to all places wherein any item of perishable food regulated pursuant to sections 31.781 to 31.789 is sold or held or offered for sale, and may take samples of perishable food for analysis. The attorney general, acting for the commissioner, or any municipal or county official responsible for the enforcement of rules or ordinances, may bring an action to restrain violations of sections 31.781 to 31.789.
History:
1973 c 686 s 7; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.789 — Exemption.

31.789 EXEMPTION.
Nothing in sections 31.781 to 31.789 shall apply to any sale exempt from a license by the Minnesota Constitution, article 13, section 7.
History:
1973 c 686 s 9; 1976 c 2 s 172
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.80 — Definitions.

31.80 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
For the purposes of sections 31.80 to 31.875, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.
Bulk food.
"Bulk food" means unpackaged and unwrapped food in aggregate containers from which quantities are withdrawn by the consumer, excluding fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, nuts in the shell, and food in salad bars.
Subd. 3.
Product module.
"Product module" means a multiuse or single service food contact container designed for customer self-service of bulk food by either direct or indirect means.
History:
1984 c 476 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.82 — Labeling.

31.82 LABELING.
Bulk food product modules must be conspicuously labeled with the common name of the product, a list of ingredients in order of predominance, and a declaration of artificial color or flavor and any chemical preservatives contained in the product. This section does not apply to bulk food manufactured on the premises or manufactured by the same person.
History:
1984 c 476 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.83 — Protection.

31.83 PROTECTION.
Subdivision 1.
Containers and display.
Bulk food and product modules must be protected from contamination during display, customer self-service, refilling, and storage. Each product module must have a tight-fitting lid that is kept in a closed position at all times except during stocking and customer service. Containers supplied by customers may not be used by others in a manner that contaminates bulk food. Take-home containers, including bags, cups, and lids, provided for customer use must be stored and dispensed in a sanitary manner. Pet food and nonfood items must be separated from product modules and bulk food.
Subd. 2.
Food sold as bulk food.
Food that consists in whole or in part of milk or milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, edible crustacea, or other ingredients in a form capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms may not be sold as bulk food. Clean, whole, uncracked, odor-free shell eggs and food that has a pH level of 4.6 or below or a water activity value of 0.85 or less at 25 degrees centigrade may be sold as bulk food. Bulk food removed from a product module by a consumer may not be offered for resale.
History:
1984 c 476 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.84 — Dispensing.

31.84 DISPENSING.
Subdivision 1.
Dispensing devices.
Bulk food may be dispensed by: mechanical dispensing devices including gravity dispensers, pumps, extruders, and augers; or manual dispensing utensils including tongs, scoops, ladles, and spatulas.
Subd. 2.
Utensils.
A manual dispensing utensil must have a handle long enough to avoid consumer contact with the bulk food. When not in use, dispensing utensils must be stored either in the food with the handle extended out of the food, or in a protective enclosure attached or adjacent to the display unit with the utensil on a tether of easily cleanable material short enough to prevent contact with the floor.
History:
1984 c 476 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.85 — Construction; Materials.

31.85 CONSTRUCTION; MATERIALS.
Subdivision 1.
Product modules and utensils.
Product modules and utensils must be metal or plastic and corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, smooth, easily cleanable, and durable under conditions of normal use. They may not impart odors, color, taste, or contamination to the food. Product modules must be easily removable from the display unit for servicing unless they can be effectively cleaned and sanitized without removal by a procedure that will not contaminate bulk food or related equipment.
Subd. 2.
Noncontact surfaces.
Surfaces of product module display units, tethers, and all display equipment not intended for food contact, but exposed to food debris or other soiling, must be nonabsorbent, smooth, cleanable, durable under conditions of normal use, and free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices. Tethers must be easily removable for cleaning. Racks that hold food containers must be constructed of material that is smooth, easily cleanable, and nonabsorbent. The materials for surfaces that do not come in contact with food must be nonabsorbent or made nonabsorbent by being finished and sealed with a cleanable coating.
History:
1984 c 476 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.86 — Cleaning Frequency.

31.86 CLEANING FREQUENCY.
Except in municipalities with less than 1,000 inhabitants, or in towns, manual dispensing utensils and tethers must be cleaned and sanitized at least daily, or at more frequent intervals based on the type of food and the food particle accumulation or soiling. Manual dispensing utensils and tethers in retail stores in municipalities with less than 1,000 inhabitants, or in towns, shall be cleaned and sanitized at frequent intervals based on the types of food and the food particle accumulation or soiling. Product modules, lids, and other equipment must be cleaned prior to restocking, when soiled, or at intervals on a schedule based on the type of food and amount of food particle accumulation. Food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized immediately if contamination is observed or suspected.
History:
1984 c 476 s 7
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.87 — Sign.

31.87 SIGN.
A sign must be posted conspicuously within the immediate display area directing customers for health reasons to use the utensils provided when serving themselves, not to handle the food directly, and not to consume food on the premises.
History:
1984 c 476 s 8
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.874 — Disease Control.

31.874 DISEASE CONTROL.
If the commissioner of agriculture finds that a disease or foreign matter is actually transmitted by a method of dispensing bulk foods that is permitted by section 31.84, the commissioner may adopt rules more restrictive on the sale of that food than section 31.84. The rules must address the specific relationship between the disease or foreign matter being transmitted and the dispensing methods permitted by section 31.84.
History:
1984 c 476 s 9; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1997 c 7 art 5 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.875 — Local Standards.

31.875 LOCAL STANDARDS.
A local unit of government may not adopt standards governing persons, facilities, or activities covered by sections 31.80 to 31.874 that conflict with the provisions in sections 31.80 to 31.874.
History:
1984 c 476 s 10
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.903 — Evidence Of Intent; Act Of Agent That Of Principal.

31.903 EVIDENCE OF INTENT; ACT OF AGENT THAT OF PRINCIPAL.
No person who shall commit or assist in committing any offense defined in the laws relating to food administered by the Department of Agriculture, shall be exempt from conviction and punishment therefor for the reason that the person acted as the agent, employee, or representative of another. When construing and enforcing the provisions thereof, the act, omission, or failure of any officer, agent, or other person acting for or employed by any corporation, copartnership, company, society, or association within the scope of an employment or office, shall, in every case, be also deemed to be the act, omission, or failure of such corporation, copartnership, company, society, or association, as well as that of the person.
The having in possession of any article, the manufacture, sale, use or transportation of which is restricted, regulated, or forbidden thereunder shall be deemed prima facie evidence of intent to sell, manufacture, transport, or use the same in violation of laws.
History:
(3871) 1921 c 495 s 84; 1961 c 113 s 1; 1961 c 144 art 6 s 2; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.92 — Definitions.

31.92 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
As used in sections 31.92 to 31.94, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given.
Subd. 1a.
[Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
Subd. 2.
Department.
"Department" means the Department of Agriculture.
Subd. 2a.
[Repealed, 2003 c 107 s 33]
Subd. 2b.
Federal law.
"Federal law" means the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, United States Code, title 7, sections 6501 et seq. and associated regulations in Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 205.
Subd. 3.
Organic.
"Organic" is a labeling term that refers to an agricultural product produced in accordance with federal law.
Subd. 3a.
Organic production.
"Organic production" means a production system that is managed in accordance with federal law to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
Subd. 4.
Producer.
"Producer" means a person who is responsible for growing or raising organic food.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 2003 c 107 s 33]
History:
1985 c 237 s 3; 1990 c 547 s 1,2; 2003 c 107 s 15-17
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture › Chapter 31 — Food › Section 31.96 — Food Handler Certification.

31.96 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION.
The commissioner may require certification of retail food handlers in establishments licensed under section 28A.05, paragraph (a), for retail food preparation, handling, and service practices. A retail food handler licensed under section 28A.05, paragraph (a), shall comply with the requirements for the manager certification program under section 157.011, subdivision 2. An interagency agreement with the Department of Health must be established for the transfer of funds to the commissioner to cover the cost of administering the manager certification program.
History:
1997 c 161 s 1