South Carolina legislators are moving forward with a bill that would require all shrimp sold or served within the state to clearly disclose its country of origin. The measure, House Bill 4248, is set for a key discussion on Tuesday before a House Agriculture Subcommittee.
The proposal aims to provide transparency for consumers and support the local seafood industry by distinguishing South Carolina-caught shrimp from imported products. Under the proposed changes to state law, any shrimp product sold at retail would be prohibited unless the packaging features a clear and conspicuous label identifying the nation where the shrimp originated.
The reach of H.4248 extends beyond grocery store shelves. Commercial food establishments, including restaurants and seafood markets, would be mandated to list the country of origin directly on their menus or through other visible disclosures. This requirement is intended to ensure that diners are fully informed about the source of their seafood before making a purchase.
The bill would integrate these requirements into existing state trade and commerce statutes. Violations of the labeling mandate would be classified as prohibited acts under Section 39-25-30 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which governs the misbranding and false advertisement of food products.
The legislation has been under consideration since its introduction in March 2025. After being referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs, the bill is now reaching a critical stage as subcommittee members weigh the administrative impact on small businesses against the benefits of consumer transparency.
If the subcommittee approves the measure, it will advance to the full committee and eventually the House floor. Proponents of the bill suggest that such labeling is a vital step in protecting the economic interests of South Carolina’s coastal shrimping fleet, which often competes with lower-priced international imports.
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