New Hawaii law requires stores to label where ahi fish comes from
By Kayli Pascal-Martinez
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HONOLULU (KITV) — A new law requiring country of origin labels on raw processed ahi products at retail stores will take effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Act 238 (2025) mandates that retail establishments selling raw processed ahi must display where the fish was landed. According to the state, local tuna fisheries and seafood markets are an important sector of Hawaii’s economy and food production, and identification of foreign imported tuna is critical to inform and safeguard consumers.
“Consumers deserve clear and accurate information about the food they buy. This law provides shoppers with country-of-origin information at the point of sale while recognizing the value of Hawaii’s commercial fishing industry,” said Chairperson Sharon Hurd.
The law applies to retailers licensed under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, which includes establishments that purchase more than $230,000 of fresh or frozen produce.
Covered retail establishments may not keep, offer, display, expose for sale or solicit the sale of raw processed ahi without a label stating the country in which the ahi was landed.
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