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Farmed Fish Labeling Bill Passes House and Senate
Senator Kim Elton wins unanimous support for the state's wild fish industry

JUNEAU – Bolstering Alaska's commitment to consumer education and state sovereignty over its wild salmon and other fin fish industries, the House tonight gave a unanimous thumbs up to Senate Bill 282, sponsored by Senate Democratic Whip Kim Elton (D-Juneau). SB282 enjoyed unanimous support in the Senate.

A product of the Joint Legislative Salmon Task Force, SB282 requires restaurants to label on their menus whether the fish being sold is wild or farm-reared. SB282 allows Alaska's resident and non-resident restaurant-goers the ability to choose if they wish to support the state's fishing industry, or the international fish-farming industry.

The bill provides that restaurant customers can be savvy consumers. The popular and scientific press has focused on toxin loads in industrial farm fish and environmental problems with fish farms. A recent study commissioned by the Washington D.C.-based Environmental Working Group showed farmed fish on the U.S. market contains toxic, cancer-causing chemical polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) at levels high enough to make it, "the most PCB-contaminated protein source in the U.S. food supply." SB282 will protect consumers by allowing them greater freedom to make health-conscious decisions at the restaurant table.

"I am encouraged by the bi-partisan support this bill received," said Senator Elton. "It is a sign that, when it comes to seafood, Alaskans stand up for informed consumers and friends and neighbors working in the wild fish industry."

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Putting Alaskans First · Moving Alaska Forward 2004