MS HB551

Requires all retailers and food service establishments to disclose the country of origin of seafood and seafood products at the point of sale through labels, stamps, marks, placards, or menu listings.

Mandates that retail and food service establishments post prominent signage stating "Seafood offered for direct retail sale or for consumption as a menu item in this establishment may be imported. Inquire further of management" unless only U.S.-origin seafood is sold.

Establishes that seafood can only be labeled as U.S. origin if farm-raised seafood is hatched, raised, harvested and processed in the U.S., or if wild-captured seafood is harvested and processed in U.S. waters and territory.

Requires wholesalers and distributors to provide country of origin information to retailers and maintain recordkeeping audits; authorizes commissioners and directors to inspect premises, pull samples for testing, and demand records dating back two years.

Establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for first violations, $2,000 for second violations, and up to $5,000 or indefinite license suspension for subsequent violations, with administrative hearing and appeal procedures available to accused parties.