State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollingers Island) is voicing strong frustration over what he describes as a failure by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to enforce a law requiring restaurants and grocery stores to disclose the country of origin for seafood sold in Alabama.
The legislation, House Bill 66, was passed and signed into law in 2024. The bill, sponsored by Brown and State Sen. David Sessions (R-Grand Bay), mandates that food service establishments and retailers label whether seafood is wild-caught or farm-raised and whether it is domestic or imported.
RELATED: In wake of Mississippi seafood scandal, Alabama is set to enact mandatory disclosure of origin
During a recent appearance on Mobile’s FM Talk 106.5 radio show Midday Mobile, Brown said that despite the law being in place, enforcement has been lacking.
“Well, I tell you what — that bill went into effect October 1 of last year, and it’s been frustrating. It’s been very frustrating because some restaurants follow it to the tee and some do not. I don’t think the Alabama Department of Public Health is doing a good job enforcing that measure. It’s been disappointing,” Brown said.
He emphasized the importance of transparency for consumers and the law’s intended support for Alabama’s seafood industry.
“There are fines that are involved for not labeling seafood. I mean, people have a right to know whether their seafood is wild-caught, farm-raised, domestic, or imported. People want to know that. I want to know that. And I think it’s beneficial to our commercial seafood industry in Alabama,” he said.
Brown is considering changes to the law’s enforcement mechanism.
“I’m looking at some changes, some enforcement changes, and some regulatory issues that need to be, I think, addressed to make it more enforceable. And we might even see some different agencies involved,” he noted.
RELATED: Restaurants in Alabama to be required to disclose country of origin of fish and shrimp
In his remarks, Brown urged consumers to take action when they notice seafood menus without proper labeling.
“So what I would say to your listeners, when you go to a restaurant, ask them — look at the menu, and if it’s not labeled, telling you where their seafood comes from, ask for the manager and tell the manager that they’re breaking the law. I mean, they start getting a few of those, and then hopefully they’ll start changing things.”
Brown praised establishments that have complied with the law.
“For those folks, thank you. I’m proud of you for following the law, and you are a true friend of the consumer for allowing people to know where their seafood comes from.”
He was critical, however, of those that have not.
“But those that don’t, they’re breaking the law. They’re 100% breaking the law and they need to be reined in. It’s a shame,” Brown concluded.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
