# 119-hr-848: Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act

119-hr-848, Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6] (D-IL); status introduced; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2025-12-21).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-848
- As of: 2025-12-21
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-hr-848
- Congress: 119
- Title: Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act
- Status: introduced
- Introduced: 2025-01-31
- Sponsor: Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6] (D-IL)
- Cosponsors: 1
- Policy area: Environmental Protection
- Touches household money: yes
- Last recorded action: 2025-12-21

## Summary

This bill would create a **voluntary EPA food climate labeling program** that puts numeric lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions on food packaging. It pairs on-package numbers and a QR code linking to an open EPA database with voluntary manufacturer commitments and civil penalties for fraud. - Consumers: Shoppers would see numeric lifecycle GHG totals on labels and scan QR codes for detailed data in a public open database. The bill funds a consumer outreach program and retail educational materials within 3 years. - Food businesses: Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers would need EPA authorization to use the label and would be responsible for reporting emissions from growing, processing, packaging, and distribution. They could voluntarily commit within 2 years to reduce emissions and report sustainability information. - Retailers and verifiers: EPA would set verification standards aligned with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 and require EPA-certified entities to measure and verify label data. The bill authorizes civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation per day for fraud or noncompliance.

## Cosponsors (1)

- Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] (D-CA), 2025-01-31T00:00:00.000Z

## Provisions PRIA read

- Public data and shopper education on labels: benefit, high. Within two years, EPA would post an open-license database with methods and both lifecycle numbers for each labeled food. It would also show company pledges and other sustainability info. Within three years, EPA would give stores educational materials and run public outreach like announcements and a…
- EPA rules and periodic program updates: benefit, medium. EPA would finalize program rules within two years. EPA would update the rules by year seven and every five years after to improve results. EPA would also publish a report by year seven and every five years on whether the label helps consumers and cuts lifecycle emissions, and would send Congress im…
- Technical help for companies and retailers: benefit, low. EPA would set up an advisory board to help companies, verifiers, and retail food stores take part in the program. The board would include experts, industry, and Agriculture officials.
- Fines for misuse of the EPA label: cost, high. If enacted, EPA could fine up to $10,000 for each violation. Each type of food with a violation would count separately. If someone ignores an EPA order, each day could bring another fine. Courts could also order injunctions and other relief.
- Standard label with two emissions numbers: mixed, high. The EPA would design the label and its rules. The label would show two numbers: emissions from production, and emissions from storage, use, and disposal. Companies would be responsible for the first number. EPA would develop the second number with experts and the participant, and include a logo and…
- Voluntary EPA climate label for foods: mixed, high. If enacted, EPA would set up a voluntary food climate label in consultation with USDA and the FTC. Food makers, importers, distributors, and sellers would need EPA authorization to put the label on products, and EPA could decide where the label appears. Applicants would have to assure EPA they will…
- Voluntary emissions-cut pledges by companies: mixed, medium. Within two years, EPA would offer a voluntary commitments program for companies that use the label. Participating companies could pledge to cut a product’s emissions and report sustainability info using the best available science.

## Related bills

- 119-hr-7977: Energy Bills Relief Act
- 119-hr-7973: Momnibus Act
- 119-hr-3151: SHIPS for America Act of 2025
- 119-hr-3971: Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act
- 119-hr-2725: Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025
- 119-hr-7853: PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026

## Sources
- [119-hr-848 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/848)

## Related
- [119-hr-7977: Energy Bills Relief Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-7977)
- [119-hr-7973: Momnibus Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-7973)
- [119-hr-3151: SHIPS for America Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3151)
- [119-hr-3971: Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3971)
- [119-hr-2725: Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-2725)
- [119-hr-7853: PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-7853)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-848 (as of 2025-12-21).