Overview

• Organized Seafood Association of Alabama partnered with the National Shrimp Festival to verify claims that shrimp sold on-site are locally caught.
• SeaD Consulting is conducting rapid DNA testing that flags Pacific white shrimp, a sign the product is likely imported rather than Gulf-caught.
• Festival officials plan to test about 18 vendors at least once, with random spot checks continuing through the weekend in Gulf Shores.
• Vendors face a $500 fine for a first failed test and $750 for a second, with possible ejection and a ban on a third violation.
• WKRG reported one vendor tested positive for using imported shrimp and was instructed to remove all shrimp dishes from its menu.