Texas House Bill HB679

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to testing and warnings related to mercury levels in certain fish.

Impact

The introduction of this bill could significantly impact state laws concerning food safety and consumer protection. By establishing a testing protocol, it aims to prevent the sale of fish that exceed safe mercury levels, thereby protecting public health. Retail fish dealers must comply with these regulations, which entails not only the testing of their products but also the posting of warning signs in the event that any tested fish are found to be unsafe. This aspect of the bill creates a formal channel for informing consumers about potential risks associated with certain types of fish.

Summary

House Bill 679 addresses public health concerns related to mercury levels in certain fish by mandating testing and providing warnings for consumers. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture to obtain and test samples of fish sold at retail outlets to ensure they meet safety standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of State Health Services. Particularly, this focuses on fish that may be hazardous to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect consumers, there may be points of contention regarding its practical implementation and economic implications for fish retailers. Concerns may arise over the costs associated with the testing process and the potential for negative impacts on sales if certain fish are flagged as unsafe. Additionally, the requirement for posting warnings could be seen as burdensome by some retail dealers. Therefore, the bill's efficacy hinges on balancing public health priorities with economic realities for the fishing industry.