Company finds imported seafood being labeled as 'local' in Louisiana restaurants
LOUISIANA (KLFY) -- The battle of local versus imported shrimp continues in Louisiana.
SeaD Consulting is a company that does genetic testing to identify seafood species. Understanding the issue of imported shrimp taking over the local seafood industry, they began testing shrimp from different seafood restaurants and festivals in the south.
CEO Erin Williams said about 30% of the shrimp they tested from 24 different restaurants in Baton Rouge are imported products but are labeled as local.
"This is Baton Rouge, where we're looking at 30% authenticity. In Biloxi [Mississippi], we found figures as high as 82%, which is why we're saying it's a very conservative estimate and the numbers are likely far higher," Williams said.
After their findings in Baton Rouge, Williams said they estimated that Louisiana shrimpers are missing out on more than $20 million in revenue. A new law will pass on Jan.1, 2025, prohibiting the mislabeling of shrimp by any supplier, restaurant, or festival. Williams said this will help bring more awareness to consumers.
"Having the label on the menu for consumers is great. I do believe that genetic testing is also a great tool to ensure that restaurants and retailers are remaining honest," Williams said.
They plan to make their way to other Louisiana cities soon.
"[There are] many to come in the state of Louisiana. We're looking forward to getting a better idea of the supply chain throughout the state. And just now, we will be going to other cities to get a good gauge of the authenticity of their shrimp," Williams said.
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