The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to improve consumer awareness about seafood products in food service establishments by requiring them to disclose the country of origin and whether the seafood is farm-raised or wild. New definitions are introduced, including "country of origin" and "covered commodity," which encompasses both types of seafood. The Alabama Department of Public Health is granted the authority to impose civil penalties for non-compliance with these labeling requirements. The bill also replaces outdated language and clarifies the responsibilities of suppliers and food service establishments, ensuring consumers receive accurate information about the seafood they consume.

Additionally, the bill mandates that food service establishments provide clear labeling for covered commodities sourced from outside the United States, specifying font size and visibility requirements. It outlines penalties for noncompliance on a graduated scale and protects establishments from penalties if they can show good faith reliance on supplier claims. Certain entities, such as hospitals and groups that preorder food, are exempt from these requirements. Key deletions from current law include the removal of previous labeling requirements for fish and adjustments to penalty structures, while new insertions clarify the obligations of food service establishments and the enforcement mechanisms for compliance. The act is set to take effect 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