In 2025, the Mississippi Legislature passed House Bill 602, in an effort to enhance transparency in the seafood industry and improve consumer confidence.
Beginning July 1, 2025, all seafood and crawfish sold in Mississippi must be clearly labeled as either imported or domestic. The bill applies to seafood sold in grocery stores, seafood markets, restaurants, food trucks, and other retailers.
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). In July, each agency will begin inspecting businesses across the state to ensure compliance.
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.”
Additional information about Mississippi’s Seafood Labeling Law , is available at www.dmr.ms.gov or www.mdac.ms.gov.
source: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
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