25-25-CWS | June 17, 2025
BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will host a series of public information meetings to assist stakeholders affected by Mississippi’s new seafood labeling law. The meetings will be held in the Bolton Building auditorium, located at 1141 Bayview Avenue in Biloxi.
The scheduled meetings are as follows:
- Thursday, June 19, at 2 p.m. – Click here for link to live stream
- Thursday, June 26, at 9 a.m. – Click here for link to live stream
- Tuesday, July 1, at 2 p.m. – Click here for link to live stream
Mississippi’s new seafood labeling law aims to increase transparency in the seafood industry, support local fisheries and ensure that consumers are accurately informed about the origin of the seafood they purchase. MDMR staff will provide an overview of the legislation, outline compliance requirements and answer questions from attendees.
Oversight and enforcement of the new labeling requirements will be jointly managed by the 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.
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.
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.”
All interested individuals, including wholesalers, processors, retailers, food service establishments and members of the public, are encouraged to attend. No registration is required.
For more information about the meetings or the new seafood labeling law, contact the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources at (228) 374-5000 or visit dmr.ms.gov/seafoodlabeling/.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.
