October 14, 2025 — The following was released by OSAA and SeaD Consulting:
Hi there,
For the first time in its 52-year history, the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores enforced shrimp authenticity in real time — with DNA testing by SeaD Consulting funded by the Organized Seafood Association of Alabama (OSAA).
Using SeaD’s RIGHTTest™ technology, shrimp served at the festival was verified on-site in under two hours, allowing Chief Shrimp Investigator (CSI) Chandra Wright and her team to identify vendors selling imported shrimp. Those vendors were immediately fined and prohibited from selling shrimp until they could show proof and retesting was conducted on their dishes.
“This was a defining moment for Alabama’s seafood industry,” said Ernie Anderson, President of OSAA. “If you’re promoting wild-caught Gulf shrimp, that’s exactly what you should be serving. With this technology, we can finally ensure that promise is kept.”
Wright added, “The RIGHTTest changed everything. For the first time, we could protect consumers and stand up for our shrimpers — right there, in real time.”
The partnership between OSAA, SeaD Consulting, and the National Shrimp Festival has set a new national benchmark for authenticity and accountability — ensuring that local celebrations truly support local industries.