MISSISSIPPI SEAFOOD LABELING
- Captain Jack Ewing
- (228) 523-4134
- seafoodlabeling@dmr.ms.gov
SEAFOOD LABELING PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
Seafood Labeling Public Information Meetings to be held in the Bolton Building auditorium:
- 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
WHY HB602 MATTERS
House Bill 602 was enacted to enhance seafood transparency and empower consumers across Mississippi to make informed choices about the seafood they purchase. By requiring clear labeling of seafood and crawfish as either “Domestic” or “Imported,” the law aims to build consumer trust and support the U.S. seafood industry. Starting July 1, 2025, all grocery stores, markets, restaurants, and food trucks, must comply with these labeling standards. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will oversee enforcement, ensuring accountability throughout the supply chain.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this webpage is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of this content. Compliance with House Bill 602 is the responsibility of each individual and entity engaged in the sale or distribution of seafood in Mississippi. For official guidance or legal interpretation, please consult the full text of the legislation or seek professional legal counsel.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do we have HB602?
House Bill 602 was passed to take a major step forward in strengthening seafood transparency and consumer trust. This law is designed to help consumers make informed choices about the seafood they purchase and to support America’s domestic seafood industry by clearly identifying the source of seafood sold across the state of Mississippi.
When does HB602 go into effect?
Beginning July 1, 2025, the new law requires labeling of either imported or domestic on all seafood and crawfish sold in Mississippi. This requirement applies to all vendors, including, but not limited to, wholesalers, processors, retailers (such as grocery stores and seafood markets), and food service establishments (such as restaurants and food trucks).
Who will be responsible for regulating and enforcing HB602?
HB602 amended Miss. Code Ann. §69-1-55 and provides that the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will share regulatory oversight for compliance with the new law.
What is the definition of “seafood” as it pertains to labeling?
“Seafood” means saltwater finfish, crustaceans, molluscan shellfish, and other forms of saltwater aquatic animal life where such aquatic animal life is intended for human consumption. The term seafood does not include catfish as defined in Miss. Code Ann. §69-7-605 or any other freshwater species.
Who is required to label as “Domestic” or “Imported”?
The new law obligates all wholesalers, processors, retailers, and food service establishments 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.
Where does the “Domestic” or “Imported” label need to appear?
Labels must appear on menus, packaging, sales displays, or any form of advertisement prominently available to the public where seafood or crawfish is being sold or promoted. The labeling text must be in a font size at least equal to the product name to ensure visibility. If domestic product is mixed with imported product, then the product must be labeled as “Imported”.
What are the labeling requirements for restaurants serving prepared dishes such as “Seafood Gumbo” that may contain a combination of seafood product and origins?
The restaurant may provide a designation such as this: “This product may contain both Imported and Domestic Seafood”
Can I place signage in a prominent location?
Yes, if a wholesaler, processor, retailer or food service establishment offers only “Domestic” seafood for sale, they may display signage stating this in a prominent location on the premises. In the case of a food service establishment, this signage may be in lieu of disclosure on the menu. The signage must be placed in a readily noticeable location that is accessible and clearly visible to customers.
What happens if I am serving product that I thought was “Domestic”?
Any good faith reliance claim must be supported by the appropriate evidence of the documentation from the supplier.
Any individual or entity who supplies seafood or crawfish to a wholesaler, processor, retailer or food service establishment shall maintain a verifiable record-keeping audit trail that permits the MDMR and/or MDAC to verify compliance with this law and relevant regulations. The supplier shall provide documentation to the wholesaler, processor, retailer or food service establishment indicating the country of origin of the seafood or crawfish.
How will I be inspected?
Inspectors and Investigators will evaluate for proper labeling. Additionally, agencies have the authority to enter the premises of any wholesaler, processor, retailer or food service establishment to collect samples for laboratory testing to test for species identification.
What if I violate the seafood labeling law?
Violators of the seafood labeling law are subject to civil and misdemeanor criminal penalties.
The following civil penalties will be assessed:
1st Violation: $500-$1000
2nd Violation: $1000-$2000
3rd Violation: $3000-$5000
4th and Subsequent Violation: not less than $10,000
A first-time violator will be notified in writing and given 3 days to correct the violation. No civil penalties will apply to a first-time violator that corrects the violation within 3 days from the date of notification. The failure to correct the first violation within 3 days of notification shall subject the violator to the civil penalties.
If convicted of a misdemeanor, a violator is subject to a fine of not more than $10,000.00 or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months, or by both.
Can I request a courtesy inspection?
Yes. Courtesy inspections are not only welcome but encouraged.
