Senate Bill 1471 aims to enhance transparency regarding the origins of food, specifically focusing on covered commodities such as farm-raised and wild fish. The bill introduces new provisions in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 53, Chapter 1, and Title 68, Chapter 14, requiring suppliers to disclose the country of origin of these commodities to food establishments. Additionally, food establishments must inform consumers about the origin of the covered commodities they sell, particularly if they are imported. This information must be clearly displayed through labels or signs at the point of sale, ensuring that consumers are adequately informed about the products they purchase.

The bill also establishes a framework for penalties in cases of non-compliance, with escalating fines for repeated violations. It allows for a written warning for the first offense, followed by monetary penalties for subsequent violations. However, if a food establishment can demonstrate that it relied in good faith on the supplier's disclosures, penalties may be waived. Certain exemptions are included, such as for hospitals and groups of individuals who preorder food items. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of food origin transparency for consumer protection.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-1-116