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 protection to all seafood and crawfish products.
“Our Mississippi Gulf Coast seafood producers and processors set the gold standard when it comes to food safety, and Mississippi consumers will now be able to easily identify the seafood’s country of origin when making buying decisions,” Gipson said. “I am truly excited to partner with Director Spraggins and the Department of Marine Resources as we work together to strengthen and protect Mississippi’s Gulf Coast seafood industry.”
Advocates for the bill say the new requirement benefits not only consumers, but also the state’s seafood economy, which has faced significant challenges in recent years from natural disasters, oil spills, and foreign competition. They believe clearer labeling will help level the playing field for domestic producers.
“This transparency not only supports local fishermen and businesses but also holds establishments accountable,” Spraggins said. “As we embrace this change, we reaffirm our commitment to honesty, quality, and the rich culinary traditions that define Mississippi.”
For more information about the new labeling law and how to comply, visit www.dmr.ms.gov or www.mdac.ms.gov.
Ask If It’s Gulf Fresh Mississippi Seafood
The Mississippi Seafood Marketing Program serves as an ambassador to support Mississippi’s seafood industry, which includes shrimp, crab, oyster, and finfish, through programs that encourage the use of Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood to consumers and for commercial use.
Grant funded and managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, its mission is to support and provide oversight for programs which enhance the state’s marine resources that includes fishermen, processors, wholesalers, charter boat operators, retailers, restaurant owners and others directly, and indirectly, related to the Mississippi seafood industry.
Learn more at msseafood.com.
