The bill, H.B. No. 2976, introduces a new subchapter to the Health and Safety Code that establishes regulations for the marketing and sale of catfish and similar fish by food service establishments in Texas. It defines "catfish" specifically as species from the family Ictaluridae, excluding those from the genera Pangasius, Clariidae, and Siluridae, such as Swai fish. Food service establishments are required to accurately represent their fish products, stating that they may only label a product as catfish if it contains actual catfish and no similar fish. If a product contains a fish similar to catfish, it must be clearly identified on the menu or menu board.

Additionally, the bill outlines administrative and civil penalties for violations of these regulations. The penalties vary based on the gross annual food sales of the establishment, with amounts not exceeding $250, $500, or $750 depending on the sales thresholds. Each day a violation occurs is considered a separate violation, and enforcement can be pursued by the attorney general or local attorneys. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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