According to prosecutors, QPS even labeled the substandard fish as high-end local catch in its own retail shop and café.
Impact on Local Markets
U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee noted the detrimental effects of such mislabeling. “When imported fish are sold as local, it not only devalues authentic Gulf Coast seafood but also hurts honest local fishermen and wholesalers,” Gee said. “Restaurants and wholesalers must be transparent with customers about what they are purchasing.”
Consumer Deception and Safety Risks
Justin Fielder, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, underscored the risks associated with mislabeling. “Consumers have the right to accurate seafood identification. Substituting fish species can mislead customers and pose potential food safety risks,” Fielder stated.
Other Parties and Sentencing Dates
The case also touches on Mary Mahoney’s Old French House Inc., a Biloxi-based restaurant that admitted to selling over 29 tons of mislabeled fish. Sentencing for Mary Mahoney and its co-owner is scheduled for September 12. QPS, Rosetti, and Gunkel will face sentencing on December 11.
QPS Substitution Scheme : Representation and Legal Proceedings
QPS is represented by Gwyneth A. O’Neill and William P. Gibbens of Schonekas Evans McGoey & McEachin LLC, and Wayne L. Hengen of Hengen & Hengen. The prosecution is led by Todd W. Gee and Andrea C. Jones of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, alongside Todd Kim and Jeremy F. Korzenik from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment & Natural Resources Division.
