To establish "Golden Sea Bream" as an acceptable market name for Stenotomus chrysops.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1832
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-28T11:31:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, H.R. 1832, aims to officially recognize "Golden Sea Bream" as an acceptable market name for the fish species Stenotomus chrysops (commonly known as scup). It prevents this name from causing the product to be labeled as misbranded under federal food safety laws, allowing easier marketing of the fish.
Key Provisions
- Exemption from Misbranding Rules: Food products containing Stenotomus chrysops that are labeled or marketed as "Golden Sea Bream" will not be considered misbranded, adulterated, or in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act, a law that regulates food labeling, safety, and marketing to protect consumers).
- The bill applies specifically to this species and does not alter other labeling requirements for fish or seafood.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Under current FD&C Act rules, fish must use scientifically accurate or approved common names to avoid being deemed misbranded (misleading labeling that could confuse consumers about the product's identity or quality).
- This bill creates a targeted exception, adding "Golden Sea Bream" as an approved name for Stenotomus chrysops, which may previously have been restricted to names like "scup" to comply with standards set by agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The FDA may need to update its seafood labeling guidelines or enforcement practices, but the change is narrow and unlikely to require significant resources.
- On Citizens: Consumers gain clarity and variety in seafood labeling, potentially making it easier to identify and purchase this fish without regulatory hurdles; no direct health or safety risks are introduced.
- On International Relations: No apparent impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. market naming standards and does not address trade or imports/exports of the species.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Seafood Industry: Fishermen, processors, and retailers dealing with Stenotomus chrysops (a fish found along the U.S. East Coast) benefit from flexible marketing options, potentially boosting sales.
- Consumers: Everyday buyers of seafood who may prefer or recognize the "Golden Sea Bream" name.
- Regulatory Bodies: Primarily the FDA, which enforces food labeling laws, and possibly the National Marine Fisheries Service (part of NOAA) for species identification standards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a minor amendment to the FD&C Act, reinforcing consumer protection by standardizing names without broadening or restricting overall regulations; it avoids conflicts with broader seafood naming laws (e.g., those requiring country-of-origin labeling).
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it aligns with Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and food safety under the Commerce Clause.
- Political: As an introduced bill (not yet passed), it represents a low-profile effort, likely driven by regional interests (e.g., fishing communities in the sponsor's district); it could set a precedent for approving alternative names for other species if successful, but carries minimal controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To establish "Golden Sea Bream" as an acceptable market name for Stenotomus chrysops. — issued 2025-03-04 — PDF (1 pages)