Louisiana Lawmakers Push for Stricter Seafood Labeling

New bills aim to combat mislabeling of imported shrimp as local catch

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:51am

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Lawmakers in Louisiana are working to strengthen seafood labeling laws after a recent report found that about half of restaurants along the U.S. 190 corridor were serving imported or farm-raised shrimp, despite telling customers it was locally caught Gulf shrimp. The proposed legislation would require clearer labeling, record-keeping, and greater enforcement authority to protect the state's shrimp industry from unfair competition.

Why it matters

Seafood, especially shrimp, is a vital part of Louisiana's culture and economy. Mislabeling imported shrimp as local catch not only deceives consumers but also hurts the livelihoods of Louisiana's shrimping communities who are struggling to compete with cheaper imported products.

The details

A report from SEAD Consulting found that about half of the restaurants sampled were serving imported or farm-raised shrimp, despite telling customers it was local Gulf shrimp. This practice, known as co-mingling, can cost Louisiana's shrimp industry an estimated $225,000 per day. Several bills have been introduced in the state legislature to increase transparency, including requirements for clearer labeling, record-keeping, and greater enforcement authority.

  • The SEAD Consulting report was recently released.
  • The proposed legislation is currently moving through the Louisiana state legislature.

The players

SEAD Consulting

A seafood testing group that conducted the report on mislabeled shrimp at Louisiana restaurants.

David Williams

Co-founder and commercial fishery scientist at SEAD Consulting, who says the findings are concerning and that mislabeling can have serious consequences for Louisiana's fishing communities.

Cheri Blanchard

A Louisiana board member with the Southern Shrimp Alliance, who says mislabeling seafood can hurt both fishermen and consumers.

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What they’re saying

“When you have 50% of the restaurants telling the truth, it's not particularly good. Nine out of the 12 restaurants actually said, no, these are local shrimp.”

— David Williams, Co-founder and commercial fishery scientist, SEAD Consulting

“This type of deception costs the industry in Louisiana about $225,000 a day.”

— David Williams, Co-founder and commercial fishery scientist, SEAD Consulting

“It affects our ability to market our product, because first of all, their seafood is not going to be the quality that our seafood is.”

— Cheri Blanchard, Louisiana board member, Southern Shrimp Alliance

What’s next

The proposed legislation, including House Bill 857, House Bill 725, and House Bill 121, still need to receive final approval from the Louisiana state legislature before becoming law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparent seafood labeling to protect Louisiana's shrimping industry and ensure consumers are getting the high-quality local seafood they expect. The proposed legislation aims to crack down on mislabeling practices that have cost the state's shrimp industry millions.