LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — In a city known for its fresh local seafood, a new investigation reveals 90% of Lowcountry restaurants tested were found to be deceiving their customers by selling imported shrimp rather than locally sourced or wild caught shrimp.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance commissioned SEAD (Seafood Development) Consulting, to conducted genetic testing on shrimp dishes served at 44 Charleston-area restaurants. SEAD Consulting used the patented RIGHTTest™ (Rapid ID Genetic High-Accuracy Test) from May 19, 2025 to May 22, 2025. The testing was designed to determine whether restaurants were serving authentic South Carolina wild-caught shrimp or imported substitutes.
The results determined just 4 of the 44 restaurants tested were serving genuine domestic wild-caught shrimp.
These establishments are being publicly recognized for their integrity and commitment to preserving Charleston’s seafood heritage,” SEAD Consulting said in a press release Tuesday…