Mississippi § 69-7-608 - Misrepresentation in use of term “catfish”; regulation and inspection of retail and food service establishments; notice of violation; penalties.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 69-7-608 — Misrepresentation in use of term “catfish”; regulation and inspection of retail and food service establishments; notice of violation; penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 69-7-608. Misrepresentation in use of term “catfish”; regulation and inspection of retail and food service establishments; notice of violation; penalties.
The term “catfish” shall not be used as a common name or used to advertise, distribute or label any fish or fish product except for those species within the definition of catfish in Section 69-7-605. It is unlawful to use the term “catfish” in the advertising, distributing, labeling or selling of any of those species within the family of Siluridae, Clariidae and Pangasiidae or any other fish not within the definition of catfish in Section 69-7-605. The commissioner shall regulate and inspect retail and food service establishments under this article. The commissioner shall notify, in writing, any retailer or food service establishment violating this article and shall give the retailer or food service establishment three (3) days to correct the violation. No penalties under this article shall apply to any retailer or food service establishment that corrects the violation within three (3) days from the date notified by the commissioner. In addition to any other civil or criminal penalties, any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or who otherwise misrepresents as catfish any fish or fish product not defined as catfish under this article shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00). For a second offense, a person shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00). For any subsequent violations, a person shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by having the license for the retail or food establishment suspended indefinitely or until such establishment has corrected the violation, or both. Any person against whom a complaint is made or who has been made subject to a fine or license suspension as provided by this subsection, may avail themselves of a due process administrative hearing as provided by Section 69-7-616.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 69-7-608
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 69-7-608 cover?
Section 69-7-608 ("Misrepresentation in use of term “catfish”; regulation and inspection of retail and food service establishments; notice of violation; penalties.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 69-7-608?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 69-7-608" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 69-7-608 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.