BATON ROUGE, La. (KPEL News) - In a shocking investigation, nearly 30% of sampled shrimp dishes in Baton Rouge were found to be mislabeled as Gulf-caught shrimp when they were actually imported.

The findings, released by SeaD (Seafood Development) Consulting, reveal the extent of seafood misrepresentation in Louisiana's capital and the potential economic harm to local shrimping communities.

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The Investigation: A Look at the Numbers

SeaD Consulting randomly sampled shrimp dishes from 24 Baton Rouge restaurants. Seven of them falsely advertised their shrimp as Gulf-caught. If this trend extends across Louisiana's seafood market, over 70,000 pounds of shrimp per week—or 3.66 million pounds annually—could be mislabeled.

This fraud has a profound economic impact:

  • It deprives Louisiana shrimpers of an estimated $26.1 million in annual revenue.
  • It harms local economies reliant on the seafood industry, including processing jobs and ancillary businesses.

David Williams, founder of SeaD Consulting, warns, “This undermines both the trust of consumers and the livelihoods of local shrimpers who work hard to provide fresh, Gulf-caught shrimp.”

Economic Fallout for Shrimping Communities

Louisiana towns like Delcambre and Dulac have already experienced significant economic downturns due to seafood fraud. Shrimpers and local businesses supplying boats with fuel, ice, and other essentials are suffering.

Andrew Blanchard, president of the Governor’s Shrimp Task Force, stated, “Capturing even a fraction of this misrepresented shrimp would inject millions into our local communities, supporting families and entire supply chains.”


What This Means for Louisiana Consumers

Seafood fraud doesn’t just hurt local economies—it’s a breach of trust for consumers who value authenticity and sustainability. Louisiana diners now have an opportunity to demand transparency. Beginning January 1, 2025, new state laws will require restaurants to clearly label the origins of their seafood.

What Consumers Can Do

Choose Verified Gulf Shrimp: Support restaurants and markets that prioritize sourcing local seafood.

Report Suspicious Practices: If you suspect fraud, contact SeaD Consulting or the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

Stay Informed: Advocate for ongoing genetic testing of seafood using tools like the RIGHTTest, which provides fast, accurate species identification.


Restaurants Leading by Example

Not all restaurants in Baton Rouge were found to be non-compliant. These establishments were verified to serve authentic Gulf shrimp:

  • Bistro Byronz-William Grove
  • Mike Anderson’s Restaurant
  • The Chimes
  • Sammy’s Grill
  • Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant

By patronizing these businesses, Louisiana residents can ensure they’re supporting local shrimpers and honest practices.


Laws and Innovations Combatting Seafood Fraud

Starting in 2025, Senate Bill 166 (Act 148) will enforce stricter seafood labeling laws. Restaurants serving imported shrimp must display the country of origin prominently on menus. While this is a significant step forward, SeaD Consulting stresses the need for continued enforcement through genetic testing, such as their innovative RIGHTTest.

This affordable, portable test can detect shrimp species within two hours, significantly improving regulatory oversight.

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Protecting Louisiana’s Shrimping Heritage

Seafood fraud poses a threat to Louisiana’s economy, heritage, and trust in the seafood industry. By choosing verified Gulf shrimp and supporting stricter enforcement, consumers can help preserve the state’s rich culinary traditions and bolster local economies.

Louisiana's Quirkiest Festivals

Louisiana is home to some of the quirkiest festivals in the country, each celebrating the unique culture and history of the region. From frog-jumping contests to celebrating hot sauce, these festivals offer fun, food, and local flair. Explore these hidden gems for a truly authentic Louisiana experience!

Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham

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