Alabama lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday that mandates restaurants to inform customers whether the seafood they serve is imported or domestic.
“The commercial seafood industry in Alabama plays a vital role in our economy. Given the influx of foreign caught products in the U.S. market, it is crucial for us to support, protect, and promote our local industry,” emphasized Brown.
“We can promote the use of seafood caught in Alabama and the United States by mandating the disclosure of whether the seafood is domestic or imported. This will also ensure that consumers have access to vital information about the food they are consuming.”
Advertisements for seafood products and dishes sold by food service establishments will now have to include certain information, as mandated by the new law. Additionally, restaurants will be required to disclose whether their fish or shrimp products are farm-raised or caught in the wild.
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The Alabama Retail Association states that the bill does not affect retailers who are already obligated to disclose the country of origin under federal law. Grocery stores, supermarkets, and club warehouses fall under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and are required to adhere to the federal country-of-origin labeling law. However, restaurants and in-store delis are not subject to the federal law and would need to comply with Brown’s legislation if it is approved by the governor.
Restaurants and in-store delis selling fish for off-premises consumption will be required to include the country of origin or indicate that the product is imported. This information should be displayed in the same size and color font as the fish being sold. Alternatively, they can post a sign measuring at least 8.5 x 11 inches on a noticeable wall near the fish and shrimp section. The sign should be placed no less than 3 feet from the floor and use type that is 1 inch or larger.
Restaurants that primarily serve food for on-premises consumption and offer a menu to their customers are now required to indicate the country of origin or state that the fish is imported on the menu itself. This information should be displayed in the same location as the fish being sold, using the same font size and color. Alternatively, the notification can be attached to the menu using a paper clip. In cases where the restaurant does not use menus as a standard practice, the notification can be displayed on an 8.5 by 11 sign near the main entrance, ensuring visibility to all patrons.
The State Health Officer holds the power of enforcement and has the authority to levy civil penalties, such as monetary fines, to ensure compliance. This legislation will now be reviewed by Governor Kay Ivey for her consideration and signature.
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