A nonprofit organization based in South Carolina has filed a federal lawsuit against 25 local restaurants for allegedly making “false and misleading representations” about the origin of the shrimp they serve. The South Carolina Shrimpers Association initiated the lawsuit, claiming that these restaurants falsely advertise their shrimp as “local” when in reality, the shrimp is sourced from outside the state, often frozen and imported from other countries. This misrepresentation has damaged the Shrimpers Association’s reputation for providing high-quality, locally sourced products. The lawsuit highlights the importance of the local shrimping industry to South Carolina’s culture and tourism economy.
The Shrimpers Association leaders announced the lawsuit at a press conference, emphasizing the need for transparency and honesty in advertising to protect South Carolina’s shrimping industry. Attorney Gedney Howe IV, representing the nonprofit, stated that the goal of the lawsuit is to ensure that consumers receive accurate information about the origin of the shrimp they are consuming. The lawsuit aims to address issues of misrepresentation in the seafood industry and promote fair practices moving forward.
Additionally, a study conducted by SeaD Consulting earlier this year revealed widespread mislabeling of shrimp in restaurants across several cities in the United States, including Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, Florida. The study found that a high percentage of restaurants were falsely claiming their shrimp was locally sourced when it was actually imported from foreign farms. This deceptive practice undermines the integrity of the seafood industry and misleads consumers about the origins of the products they are purchasing.
The 25 businesses named in the lawsuit include establishments such as Hushpuppies Seafood Company, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Page’s Okra Grill, and others accused of misrepresenting the origin of their shrimp. The lawsuit highlights the importance of promoting honesty and transparency in the seafood supply chain to protect consumers and support local shrimping industries.
Water’s Edge LLC, Crave Hospitality Group LLC operating as The Mill Street Tavern, Retail Mount Pleasant Seafood Co. Inc. known as Mount Pleasant Seafood, Ghost Kitchen LLC trading as Taters Seas & Soul, Rivers1018 LLC doing business as Family Seafood Market, Carrigs Seafood Inc., Poseidon’s Playground LLC, Cod Tail of Charleston LLC trading as Cod Tail Seafood & Chicken, Charleston Hospitality LLC operating as Wreckfish Bar & Grill, Happy Crab Cajun Seafood LLC, Restaurante La Costa LLC, Avocet Hospitality Group Inc. operating as Pier 101, and others have responded to allegations of ‘shrimp fraud’ in a recent lawsuit.
Mount Pleasant Seafood defended their practices stating, “We have always been truthful about our sourcing of local shrimp. Our SC shrimp comes from trusted vendors with documented receipts. In times when fresh local shrimp are unavailable, we offer frozen local shrimp until fresh stock is replenished. We prioritize honesty and support for local seafood and economy.”
Crave Hospitality Group emphasized their commitment to sourcing and transparency at Mill Street Tavern, expressing surprise at being included in the lawsuit and are actively reviewing the situation with legal counsel.
Page’s Okra Grill expressed dismay at being implicated, highlighting their significant investment in East Coast Wild Caught Shrimp and clarifying that they do not claim all their shrimp to be local on their menus.
Poseidon’s Playground mentioned that they do not promote local shrimp, while Tavern & Table claimed unawareness of the lawsuit’s allegations regarding their shrimp advertising.
Several restaurants contacted by USA TODAY on July 3 have yet to respond to the lawsuit accusations.
Reported by Jonathan Limehouse for USA TODAY. For inquiries, contact JLimehouse@gannett.com.
(Source: USA TODAY)
