The Mississippi Legislature has recently passed House Bill 602, marking a significant move to enhance transparency in the seafood industry and build greater consumer confidence. Beginning July 1, 2025, all seafood and crawfish sold in Mississippi—whether in grocery stores, seafood markets, restaurants or food trucks—must be clearly labeled as either imported or domestic.
Oversight and enforcement of the new labeling requirements will be jointly managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC). Starting July 1, each agency will begin inspecting businesses across the state to ensure compliance.
“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. 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.”
Businesses selling seafood and crawfish are encouraged to begin preparations now by reviewing their sourcing documentation, updating signage and menus and training staff accordingly. Both MDMR and MDAC will also provide outreach and educational resources to support businesses as they adapt to the new requirements.
“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,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson.
Under the new law, all wholesalers, processors, retailers and food service establishments are required to properly label seafood and crawfish as either:
“Domestic” – if harvested, raised and processed in the U.S.; or
“Imported” – if harvested, raised and/or processed outside the U.S.
These labels must be prominently displayed on menus, packaging, sales displays or any form of public advertisement where seafood or crawfish is sold or promoted. To ensure visibility, the labeling text must be at least the same size as the product name. If domestic and imported products are mixed, the product must be labeled as “Imported.”
If you have any questions concerning the new legislation and how it affects you or your business, please visit: www.dmr.ms.gov or www.mdac.ms.gov.