House approves country-of-origin labeling for shrimp on restaurant menus

Representative Petrie brought the Senate substitute to House Bill 117, a measure aimed at increasing consumer transparency about seafood origins and supporting Georgia fishermen. Petrie framed the change as a consumer-rights and coastal-economy issue and said the measure would require shrimp on menus to be identified when it is a foreign import.

Petrie noted a technical change added in the Senate to exclude certain state hospitals at the department’s request; he described the bill as creating "transparency" for restaurant customers and a boost for domestic fishers. During questions, representatives noted the public-health context of recent import-detection incidents and asked about inspection rates. The sponsor cited that about "0.7% of foreign imported shrimp are inspected by the FDA," raising questions about inspection coverage.

Members from coastal and inland districts supported the measure as a way to promote Georgia wild shrimp and provide information to consumers. After discussion, the House agreed to the senate substitute; the clerk announced the vote as yeas 159, nays 8. The measure will proceed according to the legislative process for enactment.