Commissioner Simpson: “We’re Not Done” Protecting Florida’s Children
Florida is sending a strong message to illicit hemp sellers: not in our state, especially when it comes to kids. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that “Operation Safe Summer,” an aggressive enforcement sweep targeting hemp retailers and manufacturers, has already removed over 85,000 packages of illegal hemp products across 40 counties in just three weeks.
The statewide operation is a direct response to violations of Florida’s strict new child-protection standards for hemp product packaging, labeling, and marketing.
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“Florida will not tolerate the sale of dangerous, illegal hemp products that endanger our children,” declared Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “In the first three weeks of ‘Operation Safe Summer,’ FDACS has removed over 85,000 hemp packages that violate our child-protection standards – and we’re not done. We will continue to aggressively enforce the law, hold bad actors accountable, and put the safety of Florida’s families over profits.”
The numbers from “Operation Safe Summer”:
- Week 1: 38,861 packages removed
- Week 2: 40,796 additional packages removed
- Week 3: 6,024 additional packages removed
- Total to date: 85,681 illegal hemp packages removed
This significant haul adds to the over 750,000 packages of hemp products removed since July 1, 2023, for violating child-protection standards.
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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has been proactive in advising hemp food establishments about the enforcement of amendments to Rule 5K-4.034, which governs hemp and hemp extract intended for human consumption. Businesses are expected to be in full compliance or face administrative action.
Key updates to the rule, designed to safeguard children and consumers, include:
- No More Candy Colors: Prohibition on specified color additives that can make products look like candy.
- Child-Resistant Packaging: Mandatory child-resistant packaging in line with ASTM International D 3475-20 standards.
- Transparent Testing: Certificates of analysis must now include detailed laboratory information, total delta-9 THC concentration, and confirm the absence of prohibited substances and pathogens.
- Responsible Marketing: Strict restrictions on marketing and advertising of hemp and hemp extract intended for human consumption, especially prohibiting imagery attractive to children like cartoons, animals, or human shapes.
- Clear Labeling: Enhanced labeling requirements, including common household measurements for serving sizes and scannable QR/barcodes linking to the certificate of analysis in three or fewer steps.
- Quality Control: Water activity for cannabis flower or leaves must be 0.60 (±0.05).
“Operation Safe Summer” underscores Florida’s unwavering commitment to protecting its youngest residents from potentially harmful and unregulated hemp products, sending a clear message that child safety will always come before profit.
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