Sponsor Statement for SB 208: Farmed Salmon Disclosures

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Session:
State Capitol, Room 423
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4940
Fax: (907) 465-3766

Interim:
716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 450
Anchorage, AK 99501-2133
Phone: (907) 269-0106
Fax: (907) 269-0109

145 Main Steet Loop
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: (907) 283-7996
Fax: (907) 283-3075

An Act relating to the labeling of, the advertising of, and the disclosure of certain information about halibut, salmon, halibut products, and salmon products.

Released:	April 28, 2001
Contact:	Senator Jerry Ward at (907) 465-4940

Senate Bill 208 adds a new section relating to the labeling and advertisement of halibut and salmon products. This section will allow a person to sell or advertise halibut or salmon products as "wild," "antibiotic-free," "hormone free, " and dye-free" if the product is harvested from a river or an ocean and has not been raised in captivity.

We have all seen the beautiful displays of farmed salmon at fish counters or restaurants without realizing that the varying shades of pink are artificially created. Almost 100% of all farmed salmon is artificially colored with either canthaxanthin or astaxanthin, a process sometimes called "color finishing" to give farmed salmon the attractive red color associated with wild salmon and salmon products that consumers expect.

Federal regulations call for declaration of the use of canthaxanthin or astaxanthin at the retail level but that information is rarely passed on to the consumer. Additionally, it is common practice to add antibiotics and other supplements to farmed finfish diets.

This legislation will allow a clear distinction to the consumer informing them of the natural benefits of "wild salmon" and "wild halibut."

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