Hundreds of Louisiana Restaurants Cited for Imported Seafood Labeling Violations

State health officials fined over 300 restaurants for failing to disclose imported shrimp and crawfish on menus in 2025.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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According to a review of state enforcement data, Louisiana health officials cited 919 restaurants and fined 319 for failing to properly label imported seafood on their menus in 2025. The collective fines totaled around $113,000. The violations affected both small family-owned restaurants and larger chains like Popeyes, which was cited at three locations for not labeling imported shrimp. State officials have stepped up enforcement of the seafood labeling law in recent years after previously taking a more lenient approach.

Why it matters

The seafood labeling law aims to provide transparency for consumers and create a level playing field for Louisiana's seafood industry, which has faced competition from cheaper imported seafood. The state has passed stricter laws and penalties in recent years to crack down on mislabeling, which can mislead customers and hurt local fishermen.

The details

Under Louisiana law, restaurants must clearly indicate on their menus or signage when they serve imported shrimp or crawfish. First-time violations can result in fines up to $500, with penalties doubling for subsequent offenses up to $2,000 per violation. Health inspectors check restaurant receipts and packaging to verify the seafood's origin and issue citations if it doesn't match the menu. Restaurants cited often claimed the violations were unintentional oversights or that they were unaware their supplier had provided imported seafood.

  • In 2025, the Louisiana Department of Health cited 919 restaurants and fined 319 for seafood labeling violations.
  • The collective fines invoiced, including those from January 2026, totaled around $113,000.

The players

Louisiana Department of Health

The state agency responsible for enforcing the seafood labeling law and compiling data on violations.

Popeyes

A national fast-food chain that was cited at three locations in Louisiana for failing to label imported shrimp.

Monjuni's Italian Restaurant

A Bossier City restaurant cited for using imported crawfish without labeling it on the menu.

Mandina's Restaurant

A Mandeville restaurant cited four times in 2025 for violating the seafood labeling law, which the owner blamed on forgetfulness.

Southern Yacht Club

An exclusive members-only club in New Orleans that was cited for serving unlabeled imported shrimp and other critical health code violations.

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What they’re saying

“It was my fault. We just didn't have that [disclosure] on the menu, so we changed the menu.”

— Frank Marcello, Owner, Mandina's Restaurant

“The shrimp in question from the cooler was thrown out in front of the inspector and never served.”

— Ed Gaskell, Manager, Southern Yacht Club

“The mislabeling law applies to all restaurants serving these products, ensuring a consistent standard and a level playing field for seafood transparency. ... The point of the law in Louisiana is to inform consumers of what they are being served.”

— Dave Williams, Fisheries Scientist, SeaD Consulting

What’s next

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is considering building a website that lists every restaurant in Louisiana that serves local seafood products. He is also lobbying for the passage of a new federal law that would add a 10-cent-per-pound inspection fee on imported seafood.

The takeaway

The enforcement data highlights the state's efforts to crack down on seafood mislabeling in recent years, which aims to provide transparency for consumers and support Louisiana's seafood industry as it competes with cheaper imported products. The violations affected a range of restaurants, from small family-owned businesses to large national chains, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.