RECENTLY, there have been reports brought to Rep. Julie A. Ogo, chairwoman of the House Committee on Commerce & Tourism, concerning food products and other commodities stocked in stores that were not labeled in English, Chamorro or Carolinian as required by law.
16 C.F.R. Part 500, pursuant to Section 4 of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, requires that all products are “labeled to disclose net contents, identity of commodity, and name and place of business of the product’s manufacturer, packer, or distributor.” Additionally, pursuant to CNMI Public Law 11-40, Public Law 12-48, and subsequent adoption of the regulations under 3 CMC §§ 21CN23 (2) & (3) and 3 CMC § 2786., all imported food and products shall be labeled in English, Chamorro or Carolinian.
“This is dangerous, because we have no understanding what the food and products are, the ingredients, and who manufactured and packaged them and this is the same for repackaged foods displayed on the cash out counters that were taken out of their original packages,” Ogo said.
In her letter to the directors of the Customs Division and Public Health, she requested a copy of their collaboration protocol. She also encouraged both agencies to be vigilant in enforcing the laws and regulations so their objective of protecting the people against harm is met.
“Notwithstanding our current financial situation, this applies to all the departments or divisions tasked with the administration and enforcement. If they are facing any challenges and limitations, they should bring these matters to the Legislature’s attention so we can help them achieve their goals and objectives by strengthening the laws,” Ogo said.
“Given our financial challenges, we need to step up on enforcement to include making sure that businesses are not under reporting their income by not recording their sales properly by generating receipts, auditing and regular inspections are a must,” Ogo added.
She is encouraging all CNMI consumers to adopt the same vigilant approach by reporting things they know are illegal or in violation of laws and regulations.
Report any product labeling violations to Public Health on Saipan at (670) 236-2022, on Tinian at (670) 433-9233/63, and on Rota at (670) 532-9461.
You may also call the Office of the Attorney General at (670) 237-7500 or Ogo’s office at (670) 664-8888 or email [email protected]/.
Julie Ogo
