The Consumer Protection Division continues to be one of the most diversified divisions within the Department. The Division’s goal is to protect Mississippi consumers on a daily basis by enforcing retail food safety and sanitation laws and regulations, weights and measures standards, and food labeling requirements in retail food establishments such as convenience stores and grocery stores. The Division conducts routine inspections of all retail food establishments throughout the state to ensure that food safety and sanitation regulations are being met.
The Division’s inspectors routinely examine meat market sanitation, ensure food is stored at appropriate temperatures, confirm the availability of hot water and soap in restrooms, and monitor stores to ensure the absence of insects and rodents. They also ensure consumers receive the quantity of the goods they pay for by testing scales and UPC pricing for accuracy to make sure the consumer is not being overcharged or undersold when purchasing a product.
It is essential to ensure catfish, shrimp, and crawfish being promoted as U.S. products are not being discreetly replaced with foreign substitutes. The Consumer Protection Division makes inspections in restaurants throughout the state, making sure to prohibit retailers from selling similar foods disguised or labeled incorrectly as U.S. products.
Consumer Protection Forms
Consumer Protection Laws
Egg Marketing Law (Shell Egg Inspection)
Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 69-7-321 through 69-7-339 Enacted in 1954 to promote the poultry and egg industry in Mississippi. Amended in 1972 to correspond with the U.S. Department of Agriculture “Egg Products Inspection Act.” Administered by the Consumer Protection Division.
Mississippi Catfish Marketing Law of 1975
Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 69-7-601 through 69-7-617 Provides for the proper labeling of catfish. Administered by the Consumer Protection Division.
Syrup Containers Law
Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 75-29-201 through 75-29-211 Requires truth-in-labeling of syrup containers. The law was amended in 1980 to increase penalty for violation. Administered by the Consumer Protection Division.
Honey and Honey Products Law
Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 75-29-601 through 75-29-607 Requires truth-in-labeling of honey and honey products. Law was amended in 1990 to further define honey. Administered by the Consumer Protection Division.
Mississippi Aquaculture Act of 1988
Mississippi Code Annotated Section 79-22-35 Provides for the proper labeling of tilapia products offered for sale in Mississippi.
Food Sanitation Law
Mississippi Code Annotated Section 69-1-18 This law gives the Commissioner authority to conduct sanitation inspections in retail food stores.
Weights and Measures Law of 1964
Mississippi Code Annotated Sections 75-27-1 through 75-27-67 Adopts systems of weights and measures for all commercial purposes in the state of Mississippi. Activities include the check weighing of packaged commodities, primarily in retail food establishments, and testing the accuracy of small scales used in commerce.
Contact:
Henri Fuselier, Director
Henri@mdac.ms.gov
P.O. Box 1609
Jackson, MS 39215
Phone: (601) 359-1148
Fax: (601) 359-1175