Georgia Law Requires Shrimp Origin Disclosure in Restaurants

Effective July 1, House Bill 117 mandates that every Georgia restaurant—except those run by a state agency—must clearly indicate on menus or visible signage whether a shrimp dish contains foreign-imported shrimp. The law’s enforcement period begins in January, giving businesses time to adjust. State Rep. Jesse Petrea (Bryan and Chatham counties) authored the measure, saying the goal is “consumer transparency” so diners can make informed choices.

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The United States imports roughly 94 % of its seafood, with shrimp the most consumed variety. Georgia’s coastal shrimpers contend with cheaper farm-raised imports that undercut local prices, driving profit margins down.

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A 2025 DNA-testing study of shrimp served in Savannah, Tybee Island, and Port Wentworth found only 10 of 47 samples were of American species. In contrast, testing in the Golden Isles (Darien, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Brunswick) showed 43 of 44 samples were wild-caught American shrimp. The firm SeaD Consulting released a list of restaurants that tested positive for local shrimp but did not disclose the names of those that failed, prompting concerns about consumer confusion.

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Rep. Restaurant operators offered mixed views.

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• “You have a better control over what you’re eating when it comes from a closer source,” — Worley. Food

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• “It left all of it up to the consumer’s assumption, you know, with them saying only these restaurants were tested positive for selling domestic shrimp,” — Chris Gulser, executive chef at Bubba Gumbo’s

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• “They’re expecting a specific product and they should be able to get that product,” — Gusler. John Wallace, shrimper and owner of Anchored Shrimp Company in Brunswick

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• “I was actually getting more for shrimp in 1979 than I am today,” — Gusler. John Wallace, shrimper and owner of Anchored Shrimp Company in Brunswick

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