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HB 857

SEAFOOD: Provides for labeling of commingled imported and domestic seafood

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Kerner

HB 857 strengthens labeling of imported and commingled seafood and adds penalties for mislabeling as domestic.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 857

Summary of Louisiana HB 857 (2026 Session)

Purpose of the Bill

HB 857 aims to strengthen labeling requirements for seafood in Louisiana, specifically addressing the labeling of imported seafood and seafood that is commingled with domestic and imported products. The bill adds penalties for commingled seafood that is labeled as domestic, and it clarifies certain information-sharing obligations related to testing.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Labeling of Imported and Commingled Seafood

    • The bill reinforces that seafood that is imported or commingled must be properly labeled.
    • It adds penalties if commingled seafood is labeled as domestic.

  • Testing and Information Requirements (as to be provided upon request)

    • Current law requires processors and distributors to provide testing information for seafood and to label imported and commingled seafood clearly. It also requires providing any information deemed necessary by the department upon request.
    • HB 857 clarifies that, upon the department’s request, the requirement to provide information applies specifically to the seafood testing information mentioned in the statute (i.e., the department can request testing-related information from processors or distributors).

  • Penalties

    • Present law already imposes penalties for imported seafood labeled as domestic.
    • HB 857 adds penalties for commingled seafood that is labeled as domestic, creating a new enforcement category to deter mislabeling of commingled products.

Who Is Affected

  • Commercial Seafood Processors and Distributors

    • Those who process, package, or sell seafood in Louisiana.
    • They must comply with labeling requirements and provide testing information when requested by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (or the state department referenced in the statute).

  • State Department/Regulatory Agency

    • Authorized to test seafood to determine whether the seafood is domestic or not and to impose penalties if mislabeling is detected.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Dates and Implementation

    • The bill amends and reenacts specific sections of Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S. 3:4749.2).
    • The legislative history shows committee actions and floor consideration in 2026, with favorable reporting and Senate consideration noted in the action history.

  • Enforcement Timeline

    • Penalties may be assessed after the department has reason to believe a processor or distributor is distributing imported or commingled seafood labeled as domestic and conducts testing to verify domestication status.
    • The bill specifies that penalties can be applied for commingled seafood labeled as domestic, in addition to penalties already in place for imported seafood labeled as domestic.

Practical Impact

  • Improves traceability and accuracy in labeling for imported and commingled seafood.
  • Increases accountability for mislabeling, potentially reducing consumer deception.
  • Provides the department clearer authority to request testing information and to enforce labeling standards through civil penalties.

Summary in One Sentence

HB 857 clarifies labeling requirements for imported and commingled seafood, adds penalties for commingled seafood labeled as domestic, and streamlines the department’s ability to obtain testing information to verify proper labeling.

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

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