HYDE-SMITH INTRODUCES ‘LABEL ACT’ TO REQUIRE CLEAR SEAFOOD LABELING

HYDE-SMITH INTRODUCES 'LABEL ACT' TO REQUIRE CLEAR SEAFOOD LABELING

Offered During National Seafood Month, Hyde-Smith Bill Aims to Strengthen Transparency for Consumers, Support U.S. Seafood Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Tuesday introduced the Let Americans Buy with Explicit Labeling (LABEL) Act, legislation to ensure all seafood, whether wild-caught or farm raised, is clearly labeled with its country of origin and method of production.

The LABEL Act (S.3065) would require country of origin and production information to appear prominently on packaging or display materials, in a font size at least as large as the product name, so consumers can easily see and understand it when shopping. Currently, some imported seafood labels are printed so small they are easily overlooked, putting U.S. producers at a disadvantage when competing with imported alternatives.

"Mississippi's seafood industry is already battling a flood of cheap imports, much of which don't meet the same safety standards our domestic producers uphold," Senator Hyde-Smith said. "This bill would ensure American consumers know exactly where their seafood comes from, while giving our domestic fishermen and producers a fair chance to compete."

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) joined Hyde-Smith in introducing the measure.

"American producers have been undercut by foreign producers dumping their low-quality seafood into our markets. There's no better source for fish and seafood than Alabama ponds and the Gulf of America, and we want people to know where their food is coming from," said Senator Tuberville. "I'm proud to join Senator Hyde-Smith in this legislation that bolsters American seafood production, promotes safe seafood consumption, and protects our domestic producers."

Mississippi and Alabama have already passed similar legislation requiring clear labeling of all seafood sold in their states. The LABEL Act would bring that same standard to consumers nationwide.

Specifically, the LABEL Act would:

• Require the country-of-origin label for fish and shellfish to be printed in a font size at least as large as the product name on packaging, displays, or bins.
• Take effect 180 days after adoption, giving processors, distributors, and retailers time to update their packaging.

The LABEL Act is supported by the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA), Louisiana Shrimp Association, Southern Shrimp Alliance, and Organized Seafood Association of Alabama.

This legislation complements Hyde-Smith's earlier efforts to strengthen food safety and transparency. In February, the Senator introduced the Safer Shrimp Imports Act (S.667), which would require overseas shrimp to undergo inspections and meet U.S. food safety standards before exporting to the United States.

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