Bill > HB602

This bill expands Mississippi's country of origin labeling requirements for seafood and crawfish, mandating that wholesalers, processors, retailers, and food service establishments clearly identify whether their products are domestic or imported. The bill defines "seafood" broadly as saltwater aquatic animals intended for human consumption (excluding catfish) and requires that any seafood or crawfish originating from outside U.S. territorial waters be labeled as "imported" in a font size at least as large as the product name. Suppliers must maintain verifiable records documenting the product's country of origin, and businesses have a three-day window to correct initial labeling violations. Penalties for non-compliance escalate with repeated offenses, ranging from $500-$1,000 for a first violation to up to $10,000 for fourth and subsequent violations, with potential misdemeanor charges for knowingly violating the law. The bill also establishes a Mississippi Seafood Marketing Task Force to study and make recommendations about the seafood industry, with members representing various state agencies and seafood-related sectors. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the Task Force is required to submit a report with legislative recommendations by January 1, 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0602.xml