Last year, Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law House Bill 66, which requires country-of-origin labeling for restaurants and grocery stores in Alabama. The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollingers Island) and State Sen. David Sessions (R-Grand Bay), went into effect on Oct. 1, 2024.
However, according to Brown, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the agency tasked with enforcement, has failed its mandate.
During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "Midday Mobile," Brown called out ADPH for not enforcing the law.
Relevant portion begins at 33:20
"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, some do not. And I don't think the Alabama Department of Public Health is doing a good job in enforcing that measure. It's been disappointing. 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. And so 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."
The Mobile County Republican lawmaker encouraged consumers to get involved.
"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. What I have seen largely is that you have some that immediately jumped on it and start following the law. And 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. 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."
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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