HB659 Summary

• Requires farm-raised fish and wild fish products offered for retail sale to be labeled with country of origin at the final point of sale, including whether the product is farm-raised or wild fish.

• Mandates specific labeling for U.S. origin fish: farm-raised fish must indicate they were hatched, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States; wild fish must indicate they were harvested in U.S. waters or territories.

• Establishes civil fines of up to $2,000 for violations, with net proceeds transferred to the Department of Public Health; violating fish products subject to suspension from sale or seizure and condemnation.

• Authorizes the State Health Officer to promulgate enforcement rules and regulations exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act, and to seek injunctive relief for violations.

• Repeals Act 2009-582 relating to consumer right to know the source or origin of food products for human consumption; effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.