South Carolina Will Mandate Foreign Shrimp Labeling
Restaurants must disclose imported shrimp on menus and at entrances starting October 28.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Dining Out
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Should restaurants be required to disclose whether their shrimp is domestically caught or foreign imported?
South Carolina has enacted a new law requiring restaurants to inform customers about foreign-imported shrimp. The mandate takes effect on October 28, 2026, aimed at supporting local shrimpers.
Why it matters
The legislation addresses concerns over industry decline and deceptive marketing practices. It aims to reduce economic pressure on local harvesters while providing transparency for South Carolina diners.
Violations of the law result in a warning for the first offense, followed by daily fines ranging from $100 to $500 for subsequent infractions. In June 2025, 90% of tested Charleston restaurants marketed foreign imports as American-caught shrimp.
The players
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
This state agency is responsible for enforcing the new shrimp labeling mandate through regular inspections and fine assessments.
Beaufort Area Hospitality Association
This trade organization launched an initiative promoting the consumption of locally-caught shrimp within the state.
The details
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture will enforce the mandate through inspections and penalty assessments at dining establishments statewide. Restaurants are required to display clear signage at the point of entry and list specific disclosures on their menus.
Timeline
June 2025 saw 90% of Charleston restaurants mislabeling imported shrimp.
A February report revealed widespread non-disclosure in Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival takes place October 2-3, 2026.
The state labeling law goes into effect on October 28, 2026.
Roadmap
This legislation follows documented trends of mislabeling in the seafood industry as identified by recent state audits. It reflects a shift toward legislative intervention to protect local producers from the economic pressure of cheaper imported goods.
Diners in South Carolina will soon notice new disclosure signs at restaurant entrances and explicit labeling on menus regarding shrimp origins. These changes provide clearer information for those looking to support local fisheries during their next visit to a restaurant.
The takeaway
Consumers can check menus for origin labels starting in late October to confirm whether they are purchasing local or imported seafood. Increased oversight is designed to ensure that patrons have access to accurate information when making dining choices.
Further reading
Find more updates on state culinary regulations in our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Island Packet.
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Should restaurants be required to disclose whether their shrimp is domestically caught or foreign imported?
