S.B. No. 823 introduces new regulations regarding the labeling and representation of imported shrimp in Texas. The bill defines imported shrimp as those that do not meet the U.S. country of origin requirements for wild or farm-raised shellfish. It mandates that food service suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, and restaurants must clearly label shrimp to indicate whether it is imported. Additionally, restaurants are prohibited from misrepresenting imported shrimp as "Texas shrimp," "American shrimp," "Domestic shrimp," or "Gulf shrimp."

The bill also grants authority to public health entities to impose administrative penalties on license or permit holders for violations of these labeling requirements. An affirmative defense is provided for those who can demonstrate they believed in good faith that the shrimp was not imported. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that it does not create a private cause of action and exempts certain retail food establishments from these labeling requirements. The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these provisions, with the law set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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