South Carolina shrimp labeling law requires restaurants to note origin

A new South Carolina law now requires restaurants to inform customers whether the shrimp they serve is locally caught or imported, WCIV reported. The legislation, known as the Truth in Shrimp Labeling Act, took effect 120 days after Governor Henry McMaster signed it into law on June 30, according to WCBD.

The law mandates that restaurants across South Carolina display the origin of shrimp on menus or signage. This change follows scrutiny earlier in the year when about 40 Lowcountry restaurants faced questions over claims that their shrimp was local when it was actually imported, WCIV noted.

Local shrimpers, such as Rocky Magwood from McClellanville, expressed support for the law, saying it could help local fishermen compete better with imported shrimp and provide clearer information to consumers. Magwood, who has been in the shrimping business for nearly 50 years, said the law might help shrimpers regain ground lost to imports.

The law aims to enhance transparency for consumers and support the local shrimping industry by ensuring that customers in Charleston and across South Carolina know the true origin of the shrimp they are ordering, WCIV and WCBD reported.