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Catfish Labeling Bill Passes Senate Committee
A new law that would require Alabama restaurants to provide country-of-origin menu labels for catfish crossed its first hurdle in the state Legislature. The Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee unanimoulsy passed SB 335, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, on Thursday, March 6.
 While current law allows for country-of-origin labeling on catfish, SB 335 would require menu labels on all fish of the siluriformes order. This would include the catfish-like species of pangasius, basa, tra and swai, which are typically imported from Vietnam.
"Catfish farming is an important business in Alabama, but our farmers are hurting from foreign competition of inferior catfish-like species that are often marketed as catfish," said Alabama Farmers Federation Catfish Division Director Rick Oates. "Requiring the U.S. farm-raised catfish label will give consumers greater peace of mind in knowing the food they buy meets the nation's stringent food safety standards. We really appreciate the Alabama Retail Association for working with us on this legislation to ensure it's beneficial for consumers, farmers and retailers."
Currently, only one percent of imported seafood is inspected by the Food and Drug Administration.
The bill awaits a vote in the Senate. Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Gallion, is sponsor of the House companion bill, HB 432.
Alabama ranks second in the U.S. in catfish farming behind Mississippi. According to a recent Auburn University study, the industry provides 5,829 jobs and has an impact of almost $160 million for the state's economy.
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County Connection
 Talladega County Farmers Federation board members Claude Friday, left, and Frank Bannister, right, visited with State Rep. Steve Hurst, R-Munford, Thursday at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery. Friday also serves as the Talladega County FarmPAC advisory trustee.
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The Senate reconvenes at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 11,
for the 23rd day of the 30-day regular session.
The House reconvenes at 1 p.m. the same day. |
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Matthew Durdin - State Legislative Programs Director for the Senate
or
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Mary Johnson - Director of News Services
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