Georgia enacted House Bill 117, which took effect on July 1, mandating that all state restaurants disclose whether menu items contain foreign imported shrimp. The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Jesse Petrea, aims to provide transparency to consumers and support the state’s shrimping industry against competition from cheaper farm-raised imports. Enforcement will begin in January to allow restaurants time to adapt their menus and signage.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 94% of seafood consumed in the United States is imported, with shrimp being the most popular seafood product. Foreign shrimp imports have occasionally been flagged for safety concerns, including a 2025 recall of frozen shrimp from Indonesia that tested positive for radioactive material. Petrea emphasized that consumer awareness is critical, noting that many diners unknowingly purchase imported shrimp at establishments appearing to offer local seafood.
A 2025 DNA study of shrimp samples from restaurants in the Savannah and coastal areas revealed significant discrepancies in what establishments actually served. Testing found that only 10 of 47 samples from 44 restaurants in Savannah, Tybee Island, and Port Wentworth were American species, while results from the Golden Isles showed 43 of 44 samples were wild-caught American shrimp.
Restaurant owners cite competing economic pressures. Some establishments source imported shrimp, particularly from Ecuador, because it costs substantially less and allows them to maintain profit margins. Owners defending this practice argue that quality differences are minimal and that local supply is limited and expensive. However, other restaurants, such as Sea Wolf Tybee and Bubba Gumbo’s, prioritize local sourcing, citing benefits including shorter supply chains, better quality control, and direct relationships with suppliers.
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