HB452 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bob FincherRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Health, fish, farm raised fish or wild, labeled not required if not required by federal law, Sec. 22-20A-3 am'd.

Summary

HB452 would stop Alabama from requiring country-of-origin labels on certain farm-raised or wild fish when federal law doesn't require it, while keeping a consumer right-to-know notice.

What This Bill Does

The bill loosens labeling requirements by removing the need for country-of-origin information on some fish products if federal law does not require it. Suppliers must still provide origin information to food service establishments when federal law requires it. Food service establishments must display a prominent notice informing customers they can request the country of origin, and the bill defines what counts as country of origin. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Suppliers of farm-raised or wild fish and the food service establishments that serve these fish; they would not have to provide country-of-origin labeling for products not required by federal law, but must comply with federal labeling when it applies and display the consumer notice.
• Consumers and the general public; they retain the right to request country-of-origin information and will see a required disclaimer near the establishment's permit informing them of this right.

Key Provisions

• Section 22-20A-3(a): Suppliers must provide country-of-origin information to food service establishments as required by federal law; the State Health Officer may investigate verified complaints of noncompliance.
• Section 22-20A-3(b): If the country of origin labeling is not required by federal law, the supplier or the food service establishment is not required to provide additional information under this article.
• Section 22-20A-3(c): Food service establishments must place a conspicuous disclaimer near the permit informing customers they have the right to know the country of origin of farm-raised or wild fish upon request.
• Section 22-20A-3(d): Defines country of origin: farm-raised fish are from the United States if hatched, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States; wild fish are from U.S. waters, a U.S. territory, or a state and processed in the United States or its territories.
• Section 2: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health