FINAL BILL REPORT

                           ESB 5260

                          C 282 L 93

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Requiring salmon food fish to be labeled by its source and common name.

SPONSORS: Senators Spanel, Owen, Oke, Haugen, Hargrove and Snyder

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

BACKGROUND:

There are several species of salmon and their flavors and textures vary greatly.  Consumers do not always know what type of salmon they are buying, nor do they always know its source.  There are no laws which address the labeling of salmon. 

SUMMARY:

Except for commercial fishers selling fish to fish buyers, all fresh and frozen salmon will be identified with its common species name and its source (farmed or commercially caught).  Minced, pulverized, batter-coated or breaded salmon is exempt.

Violation of this law is a misdemeanor.  However, a person who receives misleading or incorrect information and who subsequently labels salmon using this information is not guilty of a violation.

The Director of the Department of Agriculture is directed to consult with the Director of the Department of Fisheries to adopt rules.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    44   1

House     98   0    (House amended)

Senate    46   0    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993