House Bill 1209

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT NO SHRIMP PRODUCT SHALL BE OFFERED FOR DIRECT RETAIL SALE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION UNLESS THE SHRIMP PRODUCT IS LABELED AS A PRODUCT OF THIS COUNTRY OR AS IMPORTED SHRIMP, A PRODUCT OF A COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) No shrimp product shall be offered for direct retail sale for human consumption by a processor, distributor, wholesaler or retailer unless the shrimp product is specifically labeled in the following manner:

(a) "SHRIMP, A PRODUCT OF THE UNITED STATES" if the product originates from the United States.

(b) "IMPORTED SHRIMP, A PRODUCT OF A COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" if the product originates from a country other than the United States of America.

(2) Any person selling shrimp exclusively and directly to the consumer may have on his premises a sign reasonably visible to the consumer identifying such product as "Shrimp, a Product of the United States" or "Imported Shrimp, A Product of a Country Other Than the United States of America" as such products are defined in this section, rather than labeling each individual container or package of shrimp product, as provided in this section.

(3) Any retailer selling shrimp products not wrapped or in a container may comply with this article by placing a sign on the display case or refrigeration unit reasonably visible to the consumer, giving notice that such shrimp is either "Shrimp, a Product of the United States" or "Imported Shrimp, A Product of a Country Other Than the United States of America" as such products are defined in this section.

(4) Any advertising as to any shrimp product shall state whether such shrimp product is "Shrimp, a Product of the United States," or "Imported Shrimp, A Product of A Country Other Than The United States of America" as defined in this section.

(5) This section shall not apply to shrimp products exported out of the United States.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.