Mississippi Seafood Labeling Law
With Mississippi's new seafood labeling law took effect July 1. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson shared a helpful fact sheet and interim samples of suggested signage for businesses to use. Please scroll down to view the fact sheet and sample signage.
The interim signs are suggested samples based on the new law requiring “Domestic” or “Imported” verbiage for the listed products (seafood includes shrimp), but companies may in the interim use their own company signs as long as the “Domestic” or “Imported” mandatory verbiage is used as appropriate under the Fact Sheet.
"We anticipate that official signage will be developed, branded and recommended by the Seafood Labeling Task Force over the next few weeks/months," Gipson said.
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. Gipson and General Joe Spraggins, executive director of the MDMR, recommend including both agencies’ contacts on the signs for ease of reference—both for the stores’ employees for questions, and for consumers.
The MDMR website also provides information and answers to frequently asked questions about the law.
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 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:
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.”
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 interim signs are suggested samples based on the new law requiring “Domestic” or “Imported” verbiage for the listed products (seafood includes shrimp), but companies may in the interim use their own company signs as long as the “Domestic” or “Imported” mandatory verbiage is used as appropriate under the Fact Sheet.
"We anticipate that official signage will be developed, branded and recommended by the Seafood Labeling Task Force over the next few weeks/months," Gipson said.
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. Gipson and General Joe Spraggins, executive director of the MDMR, recommend including both agencies’ contacts on the signs for ease of reference—both for the stores’ employees for questions, and for consumers.
The MDMR website also provides information and answers to frequently asked questions about the law.
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 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.”
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.
Fact Sheet and Sample Interim Signage
Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association
11 Northtown Dr., Suite 125, Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 420-4210
11 Northtown Dr., Suite 125, Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 420-4210
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