People living in Georgia may soon see increased transparency on restaurant menus regarding the origins of their seafood. State lawmakers are working to pass House Bill 117, a law that would require restaurants to disclose the source of their seafood, particularly shrimp. Shrimp remains one of the most widely consumed seafood items in Georgia and across the United States. However, an estimated 94% of shrimp consumed in the U.S. is imported, raising concerns over quality and safety.”Consumers need to know what they’re eating,” said Rep. Jesse Petrea (R) Savannah, a key proponent of the bill. Petrea has emphasized that much of the imported shrimp is farm-raised overseas in controlled environments where antibiotics are used to prevent disease.”These imported shrimps are often raised in ponds, having never seen the ocean. They are treated with antibiotics to prevent disease, and those antibiotics ultimately end up in the seafood consumed by the public,” he said. Beyond consumer health, House Bill 117 seeks to provide economic support for local seafood businesses, which often struggle to compete with the lower prices of imported products.”Whether it is in the fishing or processing sectors, this bill is beneficial to our local economy,” Petrea said.Local seafood business owners, such as Charles Russo of Russo’s Fresh Seafood, have also voiced support for the bill. Russo notes that the influx of imported shrimp has placed significant strain on domestic seafood industries.”The shrimping industry in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida has faced considerable challenges due to the high volume of imported shrimp,” Russo said.He hopes the legislation will encourage more consumers to choose locally sourced seafood.”Our industry has been overlooked for too long. It is essential that we receive local support to sustain and grow,” he said. While House Bill 117 does not mandate consumers to change their dining preferences, Petrea believes that providing clear information about seafood origins will help individuals make more informed choices.The bill has already passed the Georgia House of Representatives with a vote of 165 to 7 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
People living in Georgia may soon see increased transparency on restaurant menus regarding the origins of their seafood. State lawmakers are working to pass House Bill 117, a law that would require restaurants to disclose the source of their seafood, particularly shrimp.
Shrimp remains one of the most widely consumed seafood items in Georgia and across the United States. However, an estimated 94% of shrimp consumed in the U.S. is imported, raising concerns over quality and safety.
“Consumers need to know what they’re eating,” said Rep. Jesse Petrea (R) Savannah, a key proponent of the bill. Petrea has emphasized that much of the imported shrimp is farm-raised overseas in controlled environments where antibiotics are used to prevent disease.
“These imported shrimps are often raised in ponds, having never seen the ocean. They are treated with antibiotics to prevent disease, and those antibiotics ultimately end up in the seafood consumed by the public,“ he said.
Beyond consumer health, House Bill 117 seeks to provide economic support for local seafood businesses, which often struggle to compete with the lower prices of imported products.
“Whether it is in the fishing or processing sectors, this bill is beneficial to our local economy,” Petrea said.
Local seafood business owners, such as Charles Russo of Russo’s Fresh Seafood, have also voiced support for the bill. Russo notes that the influx of imported shrimp has placed significant strain on domestic seafood industries.
“The shrimping industry in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida has faced considerable challenges due to the high volume of imported shrimp,” Russo said.
He hopes the legislation will encourage more consumers to choose locally sourced seafood.
“Our industry has been overlooked for too long. It is essential that we receive local support to sustain and grow,” he said.
While House Bill 117 does not mandate consumers to change their dining preferences, Petrea believes that providing clear information about seafood origins will help individuals make more informed choices.
The bill has already passed the Georgia House of Representatives with a vote of 165 to 7 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
