The demand for seafood in Louisiana is expected to increase as Lent gets into full swing (Photo by Paco Jimenez).
More than 150 food establishments have been cited since the enforcement of the foreign shrimp and crawfish labeling law began on September 1, with about half of those being restaurants in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. Larose Representative Truck Gisclair fought hard for the measure.
“Constituents are asking more and more where the seafood is coming from when there is nothing indicating the country of origin on the menus,” said Gisclair.
Some establishments are anticipating the law will create a hurdle when it comes to seasonal availability. Gisclair says that is something that businesses will have to be prepared for.
“Product is available year-around and I think they just need to plan ahead. There are distributors that stockpile domestic seafood,” said Gisclair.
The law is enforced by the Louisiana Department of Health and a citation is consider a minor violation and are not an issue of the food’s safety. Gisclair says it is about creating transparency for consumers.
“We’re not stopping anyone from selling imported shrimp. As a consumer, I have the right to know what I’m ingested, what I’m putting into my body,” said Gisclair.
After a violation, LDH provides education on how to fix the problem with a large sign or by paperclipping a notice to menus about the origin of the seafood.
