Iowa
Is it legal to sell margarine as butter in Iowa?
Iowa was once known as one of the top butter producers in America.
According to “The Annals of Iowa,” the Hawkeye State was second in America in dairy production in 1943. Iowa even reportedly produced one third of all butter made in the United States.
Iowa loves butter so much, the Iowa State Fair features a sculpture of a cow made mostly out of butter.
But did you know there are state laws about butter?
What’s the Iowa state law regarding butter?
According to Iowa state law, it is illegal to sell margarine as butter.
The state law says oleo, oleomargarine, or margarine must be labeled as such and the packaging should include a full and accurate statement of all ingredients it contains.
The state law also says that margarine or similar margarine products may not be advertised or represented in any form as a dairy product for purchase.
Misrepresentation of other dairy products such as renovated butter, imitation cheese, and nonfat dry milk is also illegal.
What’s the penalty for breaking this state law?
Under Iowa law, misrepresenting margarine as butter is a simple misdemeanor.
The penalty for a simple misdemeanor is a fine of at least of at least $105 and no more than $855. The court may also order a prison sentence of up to 30 days. The prison sentence may be ordered in place of the fine or in addition to the fine.
For restaurants and other eating establishments, violating this law could also result in the suspension of state-issued licenses for a year.