HB66 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chip BrownRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Seafood products, country of origin notification, correct name, differentiate between farm-raised and wild fish; required for food service establishments
Summary: HB66 requires Alabama food service establishments to tell customers the country of origin of seafood and whether it is farm-raised or wild, with penalties for violations.
What This Bill Does
It requires food service establishments to notify customers of the country of origin or import status of seafood offered for sale or advertised, and to differentiate farm-raised from wild fish. The country-of-origin or import status must be shown on menus or placards, with size and placement rules, and there are provisions for signage when food is prepared off-premises. The State Department of Public Health can investigate verified complaints and impose civil penalties on a graduated scale for violations. The law also includes certain exemptions and becomes effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Seafood suppliers and food service establishments: must provide country of origin information to the establishments and clearly label whether products are farm-raised or wild, plus display required notices.
Consumers and the general public: have the right to know the country of origin for seafood and will have access to origin information or notices, with enforcement carried out by the State Health Officer.

Key Provisions
Requires notice of country of origin or import status for seafood sold or advertised, and requires differentiation between farm-raised and wild fish/shrimp.
Menus or placards must display a conspicuous disclaimer or notice with specified size and placement; alternative signage allowed for off-premises preparation, including main entrance postings.
Suppliers must provide country-of-origin information to food service establishments as required by federal law; if product is not federally labeled, no extra information is required.
Enforcement by the State Health Officer with a graduated penalty schedule (warning for first offense, $100 second, $250 third, $500 fourth, $1,000 fifth and subsequent offenses within 24 months).
Exemptions include certain retailers under federal labeling rules, hospitals, and groups of 10 or more preorder; effective date is October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Consumer Protection; Health