LISTEN

There's something fishy about some of the seafood we eat in California, says state Sen. Alex Padilla, and he wants to change that.

 

According to a recent report, shoppers and diners who thought they were buying lemon sole wound up eating blackback flounder, red snapper fans got tilapia, and white tuna in sushi was actually escolar.

 

The 2013 study by Oceana, an aquatic conservation group, has spurred Padilla (D-Pacoima) to write a seafood mislabeling bill. The measure, SB 1138, would make it illegal to offer to sell misbranded seafood, and last week it passed the Senate on a 36-0 vote. It now goes to the Assembly.

 

The law would be enforced by the state Department of Public Health along with state and local prosecutors. First-time violators could be punished with a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail, plus civil penalties.

 

"To protect our health, oceans and economy, it is essential that the seafood be labeled accurately," Padilla said. "The seafood we order should be the seafood we are served."

 

Read the full story at Los Angeles Times>>


Have you listened to this article via the audio player above?

If so, send us your feedback around what we can do to improve this feature or further develop it. If not, check it out and let us know what you think via email or on social media.

A collection of stories from guest authors.

Join the Conversation