This bill amends Section 16-7-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to clarify the definitions and criteria for what constitutes adulteration of drugs and food. Key changes include the replacement of the phrase "shall be" with "is" to affirm the current standards for adulteration. The bill also introduces a new definition for "poisonous or injurious to health," specifying that such substances must be demonstrated through peer-reviewed scientific evidence to pose a material risk to human health at customary consumption levels and must be designated as unsafe by the West Virginia Code or relevant health regulations.
Additionally, the bill outlines specific criteria for both drugs and food that would classify them as adulterated. For food, it includes provisions against the mixing of inferior substances, the abstraction of valuable ingredients, and the presence of harmful additives. The bill emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling, requiring that any mixtures or compounds be distinctly labeled with their ingredients and percentages. The amendments are set to take effect on January 1, 2028, following the 2026 regular session of the Legislature.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 16-7-2