Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill that would require restaurants to disclose whether the seafood they use in their dishes is domestic or imported.

“The Legislature recognizes the important role Alabama's commercial water industry plays in our economy, and with foreign products flooding the U.S. market, it is essential that we support, protect and promote it,” Brown said.

“By requiring disclosure of whether seafood is domestic or imported, we can encourage the use of products caught in Alabama and the U.S. while also helping consumers better understand the food they are consuming.”

The new law would require restaurants to include information under the bill in their advertisements for seafood products and dishes they sell, and would require restaurants to disclose whether their fish and shrimp products are farmed or wild-sourced.

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according to To the Alabama Retail Association: “This bill does not apply to retailers who are required by federal law to inform consumers of the country of origin. Grocery stores, supermarkets and club warehouses are subject to the Fresh Produce Act and must follow federal country of origin labeling laws. Restaurants and in-store delis are exempt from federal law and therefore would be required to follow Brown's bill if the Governor signs it into law.”

Restaurants and on-premise delis that sell fish primarily for off-premise consumption must state the country of origin in a font of the same size and color as the fish they sell, or indicate that the product is imported, and must post a sign at least 8.5 x 11 inches in letters not smaller than 1 inch on a conspicuous wall near where the fish or shrimp is sold and at least 3 feet off the floor.

“Restaurants that serve primarily on-premise consumption and that offer menus to customers may state the country of origin or indicate that the fish is imported on their menus in the same location and using the same size and color font as the fish is sold. The bill also allows the notice to be clipped to the menu. If a restaurant does not use menus as a standard business practice, the notice may also be displayed on an 8.5 x 11 sign near the front entrance of the restaurant so that it is visible to all customers.”

The state health commissioner would be given enforcement powers and could impose civil penalties, including fines, to ensure compliance. The bill now goes to Governor Kay Ivey for consideration and signature.

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