Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) introduced legislation on Aug. 17 to require that food produced with water that was previously used for fracking to be labeled.

The new legislation – ABX2-14  – will be considered as part of the legislature’s special session on health. It would require a label stating, “Produced using recycled or treated oil-field wastewater,” when applicable.

Alternatively, retailers of produce that is not separately packaged would be required to place a conspicuous label at in-store locations where the food is displayed for sale.

“No one expects their lettuce to contain heavy chemicals from fracking wastewater,” Gatto said. “Studies show a high possibility that recycled oil-field wastewater may still contain dangerous chemicals, even after treatment.”

Gatto’s measure also provides a “safe harbor” for businesses that, in good-faith, sell or offer to sell a mislabeled product based on information received from a farmer, producer or distributor. The legislation aims to help consumers make decisions and decrease healthcare costs without burdening businesses.

“Consumers have a basic right to make informed decisions when it comes to the type of food that ends up on the family dinner table,” Gatto added. “Labeling food that has been irrigated with potentially harmful or carcinogenic chemicals, such as those in recycled fracking water, is the right thing to do.”