What's On Your Plate?

A bill that would give consumers the right to know where their fish and seafood are coming from is headed to the Alabama Senate.

That bill would require restaurants to add a disclaimer to their menus (or on a placard) letting patrons know that they can ask "Where did this fish come from?" This is the 7th year that State Representative Spencer Collier has pushed for this legislation.

Our DNA fish testing investigations helped Collier convince legislators in Montgomery that this is a big problem. Collier says studies show that if Alabamians had a choice, most would prefer a local product instead of something imported. "When we start educating consumers and give them the opportunity to make an informed decision, it's gonna help our economy. In fact, I think it's gonna help the economy down here bigger than any single legislative aspect that we've taken on."

The Senate has until the end of next week to vote on the Fish Labeling Bill. If they vote in favor of the legislation, it goes to Governor Bob Riley's desk for approval.