AL HB444

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries gains authority to test seafood at food service establishments to verify country of origin labeling accuracy

Food service establishments selling imported seafood for off-premises preparation must display origin information via labels, signs, or placards with letters matching the size and font of the menu listing

Restaurants using menus must display country of origin directly on the menu or via paper-clipped notice; the previous option to post a separate sign in lieu of menu notation is eliminated

Violations result in graduated penalties within a 24-month period: written warning (1st offense), $100 (2nd), $250 (3rd), $500 (4th), and $1,000 (5th and subsequent offenses)

Violating establishments will have their sanitation scores reduced by 5 points and be publicly listed by the State Health Officer; effective date is October 1, 2026