Mississippi is set to begin enforcing a newly passed seafood labeling law which will require grocery stores, markets, restaurants, and other vendors to clearly note whether the seafood and crawfish they sell are imported or domestic.
“Mississippi's new seafood labeling law is a pivotal step toward restoring consumer trust and safeguarding the integrity of our Gulf Coast heritage,” Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) executive director Joe Spraggins said in a statement. “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. This transparency not only supports local fishermen and businesses but also holds establishments accountable. As we embrace this change, we reaffirm our commitment to honesty, quality, and the rich culinary traditions that define Mississippi.”
The law is set to take effect July 1. Both the MDMR and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will oversee the labeling requirements, and they will be conducting inspections of businesses to make sure they are complying with the law.
“In the same way our MDAC inspection team has long enforced the marketing law for U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, we look forward to expanding our efforts to protect Mississippi consumers by adding seafood and crawfish to the inspection protocol. 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. 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. I encourage every Mississippi consumer to look for and purchase domestic U.S. seafood whenever you eat out and shop,” Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson said in a statement.
Read the full article on Seafood Source. This article is reposted with permission.
