The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to require food service establishments to notify consumers of the country of origin or importation status of seafood products, distinguishing between farm-raised and wild fish and shrimp. It defines terms such as "country of origin," "covered commodity," and "processed food," with insertions to clarify these terms, such as specifying the country where the seafood animal was born, raised, slaughtered, or substantially transformed. The bill also provides for civil penalties assessed by the State Department of Public Health for non-compliance and exempts certain persons and actions from these requirements, although the exemptions are not specified in the summary.

The bill mandates clear labeling of the country of origin for food commodities sold or provided for off-premises preparation and on menus for on-premises preparation, with specific requirements for font size and placement. It outlines a graduated scale of fines for repeated offenses and holds establishments harmless against penalties for unknowing violations due to incorrect supplier information. The bill exempts retailers already under federal mandate, hospitals, and large preordered groups from these requirements. The act will become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-20A-2, 22-20A-3, 22-20A-4, 22-20A-8
Engrossed: 22-20A-9, 22-20A-2, 22-20A-3, 22-20A-4, 22-20A-8
Enrolled: 22-20A-9, 22-20A-2, 22-20A-3, 22-20A-4, 22-20A-8