Tennessee § 53-1-115 - Use of the name “catfish” — Enforcement — Rules and regulations — Violations — Penalties — Hearing.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-1-115 — Use of the name “catfish” — Enforcement — Rules and regulations — Violations — Penalties — Hearing., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-1-115. Use of the name “catfish” — Enforcement — Rules and regulations — Violations — Penalties — Hearing.
The term “catfish” shall not be used as a common name or brand name or used to advertise, distribute, or label any fish or fish product, except for those species within the definition of catfish set out in § 53-1-102. It is a violation of this section to use the term “catfish” in the advertisement, distribution, processing, labeling, or wholesale or retail sale of any of those species within the family of Siluridae , Clariidae and Pangasiidaae or any other species of fish not included within the definition of catfish set out in § 53-1-102. This section shall apply only to the advertisement, distribution, processing, labeling, or wholesale or retail sale of: Unprepared or packaged imported catfish and imported catfish products; and Unprepared or packaged fish and fish products described in subsection (a). The commissioner shall enforce the requirements of this section and is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to implement this section. In the event of a violation of this section, the commissioner is authorized to: Order the processor, distributor, wholesaler or retailer to cease the distribution or sale of imported catfish or imported catfish products that are not labeled or are labeled in violation of this section; Order the processor, distributor, wholesaler or retailer to cease the advertisement, distribution, labeling or sale of all other fish or fish products that are being advertised, distributed, labeled or sold in violation of this section; Seek injunctive relief to stop practices that are in violation of this section; and Order the processor, distributor, wholesaler or retailer to comply with this section or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to this section. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate violation. Any person aggrieved by an order or civil penalty imposed by the commissioner shall be entitled to a hearing in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. Acts 2002, ch. 634, § 2.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 53-1-115
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-1-115 cover?
Section 53-1-115 ("Use of the name “catfish” — Enforcement — Rules and regulations — Violations — Penalties — Hearing.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 53-1-115?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-1-115" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 53-1-115 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.