The 2002 Farm Bill Requires Seafood Labeling

Paying close attention to seafood labels is one simple and effective method for promoting sustainable fishing practices. In the past, buying environmentally-friendly fish wasn’t very easy. Most grocers used labels that did not provide complete and accurate details concerning the sustainability of their products and often, unknowingly or knowingly, mislabeled much seafood. IFR and many other organizations worked to correct this, and now country-of-origin labelling is mandantory on all seafood sold in the United States. Additionally, a farmed or wild-caught label and a color-added label is required. If you find your local grocer is not in compliance, take action!

• Buy smart. Buy local and sustainable seafood. Buy what’s currently in season. Use our Local & Seasonal Seafood Program and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to help make sustainable seafood choices.
• Tell your grocer. Let your grocer know that they must label their seafood accurately, with country of origin, if color is added, and whether it is farmed or wild-caught.