Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced the latest results from “Operation Safe Summer,” an enforcement initiative by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The operation aims to ensure compliance with new child-protection standards for hemp products. Over 85,000 packages of illegal hemp products have been removed across 40 counties in the first three weeks.
“Florida will not tolerate the sale of dangerous, illegal hemp products that endanger our children,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. He emphasized that FDACS is committed to enforcing the law and prioritizing family safety over profits.
The enforcement totals for “Operation Safe Summer” are as follows: Week 1 saw 38,861 packages removed, Week 2 had an additional 40,796 packages removed, and Week 3 accounted for another 6,024 packages. In total, 85,681 illegal hemp packages have been removed.
FDACS issued announcements on April 3 and June 2, advising hemp food establishments about amendments to Rule 5K-4.034 in the Florida Administrative Code. These amendments include prohibitions on certain color additives and requirements for child-resistant packaging. Certificates of analysis must now include specific laboratory information and THC concentration details.
Since July 1, 2023, more than 750,000 non-compliant hemp product packages have been removed due to violations of child-protection standards. During the legislative session in 2023, Commissioner Simpson collaborated with the Florida Legislature to reform hemp laws through SB 1676. This legislation added age requirements for purchasing hemp products and set health and safety standards similar to other food products.
In July and August of last year, FDACS conducted its largest inspection sweep targeting businesses selling hemp products attractive to children. Inspections covered over 700 businesses statewide and uncovered more than 83,000 non-compliant packages.
For further details about Commissioner Simpson or FDACS initiatives, visit their official website at FDACS.gov.
Information from this article can be found here.
