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SB 1471

Food and Food Products - As introduced, requires retail food stores and food service establishments to provide notice to consumers of whether fish is imported and whether it is farm-raised or wild fish. - Amends TCA Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 53 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

Tennessee bill requires fish retailers and restaurants to label whether fish is imported and farm-raised or wild-caught, enhancing consumer transparency but potentially increasing business compliance costs.

Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1471

Legislative bill overview

SB 1471 mandates that retail food stores and food service establishments display notices informing consumers whether fish sold is imported and whether it is farm-raised or wild-caught. The bill modifies Tennessee's food labeling and commerce statutes to establish these disclosure requirements.

Why is this important

Fish sourcing and farming methods significantly affect price, nutritional content, environmental impact, and food safety concerns—information consumers often lack at point of purchase. The bill addresses a transparency gap that allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions aligned with their values, dietary preferences, or health concerns, while potentially affecting the competitive landscape for domestic wild-caught and farm-raised fisheries.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Retail and food service businesses may face administrative and operational burdens implementing labeling systems, particularly for establishments with high fish volume or complex supply chains
  • Definitional clarity: The bill's language on what constitutes "imported" versus domestic and how to classify hybrid farming methods (ocean pens, recirculating systems) may create ambiguity in enforcement
  • Market impact: Labeling could disadvantage imported or farm-raised products commercially, affecting suppliers, importers, and restaurants relying on these cost-effective sources while potentially benefiting domestic fisheries

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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