Retail establishments selling raw processed ʻahi products must display a country of origin label beginning July 1.
Act 238 requires local tuna fisheries and associated seafood markets to have a country of origin label to better inform and safeguard consumers.
“Consumers deserve clear and accurate information about the food they buy,” said Chairperson Sharon Hurd. “This law provides shoppers with country-of-origin information at the point of sale while recognizing the value of Hawaiʻi’s commercial fishing industry.”
Beginning July 1, retailers licensed under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, which includes establishments that purchase more than $230,000 of fresh or frozen produce, must comply with the new law.
Covered retail establishments may not keep, offer, display, expose for sale, or solicit the sale of raw processed ʻahi without a label stating the country in which the ʻahi was landed.
The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s Quality Assurance Division, through its Measurement Standards Branch, will support enforcement through education and outreach. Retailers found to be out of compliance may receive warnings and be subject to enforcement action.
For labeling questions, email dab.ms.labeling@hawaii.gov.
