A judge dismissed a South Carolina shrimpers' lawsuit against 40 restaurants over alleged false shrimp labeling, citing lack of standing and proof of harm.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by the South Carolina Shrimpers Association against 40 Lowcountry restaurants over alleged false advertising of imported shrimp as local. Judge Richard Mark Gergel ruled the association lacked standing and failed to meet legal standards for a false advertising claim, noting it didn’t prove financial harm. The case, based on a 2024 study showing most tested shrimp were imported, sparked debate over seafood labeling and local industry protection. Restaurant owners welcomed the dismissal, calling the suit baseless and damaging to small businesses. The shrimpers expressed disappointment, vowing to continue pushing for transparency and legislative change.