New labeling rules for Hawaii-branded coffee products take effect July 1

Government
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Governor Josh Green | Governor of Hawaii

New labeling requirements for Hawai‘i-branded coffee products will go into effect on July 1, 2024. These regulations apply to all coffee product inventory sold to the public or displayed at retail stores in Hawai‘i. The Hawaiian Coffee Labeling Act 211, enacted in July 2023, mandates that all coffee products with a Hawai‘i geographical reference disclose the location where the coffee was grown and indicate the percentage by weight of locally grown coffee and coffee grown elsewhere.

The law specifies that any product claiming to be 100% Hawaiian must be both grown and processed in Hawai‘i. Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, commented on the enforcement challenges: “Unfortunately, the law did not provide for additional inspection staff so enforcement of the new law will be a challenge given the other statutory responsibilities of the branch.” She added, “However, the department will increase inspection of retail shelves statewide and may have to rely on complaint-driven enforcement for the immediate future.”

For more information or to report possible mislabeling or non-compliance, individuals can email HDOA’s Measurement Standards Branch at [email protected] or call (808) 832-0690.

Media Contact:

Janelle Saneishi

Public Information Officer

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture

808-973-9560

[email protected]

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture states it does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other class protected under federal or state law. For further details or to file a complaint:

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