Page 96 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2025

Supporting LOCAL
Seafood story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photos courtesy of MDMR
Mississippi’s New Seafood
Labeling Law Aims to Boost Consumer Confidence and Support Local Industry
A new law that took effect July 1, 2025, requires all seafood and crawfish sold in Mississippi to be clearly labeled as either “domestic” or “imported,” a move state officials say will strengthen consumer confidence and support local fishermen and processors.
The law, passed during the 2025 legislative session as House Bill 602, applies to all points of sale across the state, including grocery stores, seafood markets, restaurants and food trucks. Enforcement will be handled jointly by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC).
“Mississippi’s new seafood labeling law is a pivotal step toward restoring consumer trust and safeguarding the integrity of our Gulf Coast heritage,” said MDMR Executive Director Joe Spraggins. “By mandating clear domestic or imported labeling for all seafood products, the law empowers consumers to make informed choices, ensuring they receive the quality they expect and deserve.”
The law requires all wholesalers, processors, retailers and food service establishments to clearly display the origin of their
seafood and crawfish. Products must be labeled “Domestic” if they were harvested, raised, and processed in the United States, or “Imported” if they were harvested, raised, or processed outside the country.
Labels must be prominently displayed on packaging, menus, signage, or any advertisement where the product is sold or promoted. The label must be at least the same font size as the product name to ensure visibility. If domestic and imported seafood are combined in any way, the product should be labeled both “Imported” and Domestic,” or just “Imported.”
State agencies began inspections starting July 1, 2025, to ensure businesses are in compliance. MDMR and MDAC officials said they will provide outreach and educational resources in advance to help businesses prepare.
Businesses are encouraged to review their sourcing documentation, updating signage and menus, and training staff to understand and comply with the new labeling requirements. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson said the new law builds on the agency’s longstanding inspection protocols for U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish and extends consumer
96 | August 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living