AUGUSTA – As Maine’s maple sugar season wound down, Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation to clarify the legal definition of “pure maple syrup” to help consumers decide whether they’re getting the real thing.

The new law sets standards on how much sugar must be in syrup in order for it to be considered pure. It took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature Monday.

The bill was advanced by the Maine Maple Producers. The Maine Farm Bureau said the new standard helps to protect Maine’s maple syrup industry.

Maple sugar producers say that if there’s too much sugar in syrup, it can crystallize shortly after sale. The new law helps to ensure that when someone buys “pure maple syrup,” that’s what they’re getting.

The new law will more closely regulate the import of products labeled “pure maple syrup” into Maine, said Jon Olson of the Maine Farm Bureau.

Vermont, the nation’s No. 1 maple syrup producer, has rules similar to Maine’s new standard. Maine is the nation’s second-largest maple syrup producer.