A measure (HB 1200) aimed at protecting consumers by ensuring informed decisions are made about the seafood they buy and put on their tables is making its way through the legislative process.
“The problem right now is that you really don’t know if the fish you bought for your family dinner is, in fact, what you paid for, because our existing labeling and branding requirements for seafood are dated and confusing,” said state Rep. Brian Blake about his measure.
“The economic incentive for misbranding also compromises local commercial fishing industry that works hard to bring quality high value seafood to market. My bill will update, clarify, correct, and strengthen our current laws to make them more enforceable and to better protect consumers and the fishing industry.”
The Aberdeen Democrat, who chairs the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, explained that seafood misbranding results in illegal profits at the uninformed consumer’s expense. “But it can even bring on serious health consequences for example, when shellfish labeled as safe were actually harvested illegally.”
As a result of Blake’s legislation:
- There would be harsher penalties in place for those who violate Washington’s branding and labeling requirements:
- Misdemeanor – a violation with a value of less than $500.
- Gross misdemeanor – a violation with a value of $500 up to $5,000.
- Class C felony – a violation with a value of $5,000 or more.
- The Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife could develop a seafood labeling requirements pamphlet.
- Current law would be clarified by refining the definition of “commercially caught,” and redefining “food fish and shellfish” to include fresh or saltwater finfish, crustaceans, other forms of aquatic life, and all mollusks intended for human consumption.
- It would be unlawful for a person to “knowingly” sell or offer for sale any seafood without following standardized labeling requirements. But a person who unwittingly perpetuates any false advertisement would not be liable.
“There are many reasons to eat fish and other seafood products. It’s healthy, nutritious, and tasty, and it supports our local fishing industry. But we need to be able to trace how our fish went from the baits to our plates to make sure our families are getting safe, quality food, and that’s what my bill will do,” Blake added.
Blake’s legislation has been scheduled for a public hearing by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, January 30th in House Hearing Room B.
Sen. Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island) is sponsoring the companion bill, SB 5037.