Weather Data Source: South Carolina Weather

Shrimpers Association Sues Restaurants for Mislabeling Shrimp

Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
A plate of shrimp in a restaurant setting showcasing potential mislabeling issues.

News Summary

In a significant legal action, the South Carolina Shrimpers Association has filed a lawsuit against 40 Charleston restaurants for allegedly mislabeling imported shrimp as locally sourced. The lawsuit arose from a genetic study revealing that most tested establishments provided fraudulent shrimp origin claims. The Shrimpers Association seeks not only monetary damages but also an injunction to prevent the continued misrepresentation. This case highlights broader concerns regarding seafood supply chain integrity and the impact of misleading marketing practices on local industries.

Charleston, South Carolina – The South Carolina Shrimpers Association has initiated legal action against 40 unidentified restaurants in the Charleston area, alleging that they have been mislabeling imported shrimp as locally sourced. Filed on June 13, 2025, the federal lawsuit accuses the restaurants of false advertising and breaching South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The lawsuit emerges from a genetic study conducted by SeaD Consulting, a Texas-based research firm, which uncovered that 40 out of 44 restaurants tested inaccurately represented the origin of their shrimp. The testing, conducted in late May, revealed that only four restaurants served genuine wild-caught shrimp from South Carolina, while 25 establishments were found to have made outright fraudulent claims regarding the source of their shrimp.

The restaurants involved in the lawsuit are referred to as John Doe Restaurants 1-40, as their specific names have not been disclosed. Along with monetary damages, the Shrimpers Association seeks an injunction to stop the restaurants from continuing to make misleading accusations about the sourcing of their shrimp products.

Rocky Magwood, the president of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, has pointed to the necessity of preserving the local shrimp industry. The association’s hope is that this legal pursuit will help revitalize the struggling sector and better protect local shrimpers from the adverse effects of deceptive marketing practices.

The results of the SeaD Consulting tests raise concerns about the broader seafood supply chain. Reports indicate that many restaurants may opt for lower-cost imported shrimp, which pressures local shrimpers and leads to misrepresentations that harm the industry’s reputation. Biologist Kerry Marhefka pointed out that similar misleading practices could be prevalent if more seafood establishments in the area were assessed.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance, a related organization, plans to reach out to the implicated restaurants, urging them to either begin sourcing shrimp locally or to ensure their menus reflect accurate information about shrimp origins. This effort demonstrates the mounting pressure on restaurants to prioritize transparency and authenticity in their seafood offerings.

Local shrimpers contend that the practices of mislabeling shrimp not only jeopardize their livelihoods but also tarnish the reputation of the South Carolina shrimp industry as a whole. Public sentiment among local consumers shows a strong preference for honesty in seafood sourcing, accentuating the desire to preserve the culinary heritage associated with locally-sourced seafood.

Amid the legal proceedings, the South Carolina Shrimpers Association advocates for the implementation of a country of origin labeling law to safeguard both consumers and local shrimpers. Given that South Carolina currently lacks comprehensive state legislation on seafood labeling, the state has seen a higher rate of misrepresentations in restaurant menus compared to states with stricter regulations.

The ongoing developments in this case highlight a critical issue in the restaurant and seafood industries, bringing attention to the need for accountability and transparency. As the lawsuit unfolds, the implications could significantly impact the practices restaurants employ regarding shrimp sourcing and could influence future legislation aimed at protecting local industries and consumers alike.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Shrimpers Association Sues Restaurants for Mislabeling Shrimp

HERE Charleston
Author: HERE Charleston

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Article Sponsored by:

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Construction Management Software for Contractors in Charleston, SC

In Charleston, SC, contractors rely on CMiC for a construction management solution that enhances visibility across every project phase. The software offers seamless integration between financials, field operations, and compliance tracking, allowing construction firms in Charleston to maintain efficiency while managing multiple job sites.

Learn More about CMiC’s offerings here. 

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!

WordPress Ads