550 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



CHANGES IN THE LAWS 



If there are any periods, in particular, during which the public, and 

 dealer as well, needs the protection given the efficient food laws and 

 laws effectively regulating the traffic in other essential commodities, it is 

 during periods of high prices and times of changes in economic con- 

 ditions. Such conditions prevail, and from present indications will con- 

 tinue to exist for some time. 



During the past two years, it was found that many provisions of the 

 various laws enforced by this department were not as effective as de- 

 sirable to meet the present and probable future conditions. Where condi- 

 tions indicated, changes in the laws were suggested to the Thirty-eighth 

 General Assembly, and with but one or two suggestions of minor im- 

 portance, were favorably received and acted upon. While most of the 

 changes were important there has been no change in any of the basic 

 principles of these laws. Practically all new legislation consisted of 

 measures designed to enlarge the scope and strengthen them. 



Changes were made in the Food Law, Sanitary Law, Dairy Law, and 

 Weights and Measures Law. These changes will be discussed in order. 

 There was no change in any of the other laws enforced by this depart- 

 ment. One new law, the Egg Law, was given to this department to en- 

 force. While this may be considered as a part of the food law, it is for 

 convenience treated separately. Except where otherwise noted all 

 changes in the various laws are now in effect. 



CHANGES IN FOOD LAW 



An amendment to the food law gives this office authority to issue 

 standards for foods where such standards are not fixed by statutes. Such 

 standards as are adopted must conform with those issued by the Secre- 

 tary of Agriculture of the United States and be approved by the Executive 

 Council. The standards provided for by this amendment have been issued 

 in the form of a rule and regulation and are printed as a section of this 

 bulletin. 



A second amendment requires that the name of any article of food 

 sold in "package or wrapped form" be placed upon the package or wrap- 

 per. This provision applies to all packages entering commerce as such 

 or put up by the manufacturer, packer or jobber for ordinary com- 

 mercial use. It does not apply to small amounts sacked or wrapped by 

 the retailer for the purpose of delivering small quantities to the consumer. 



