PORTLAND – Maine lobster promoters are protesting new labeling rules that allow surimi producers to drop the word “imitation” from their labels.

The Maine Lobster Promotion Council said the decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will confuse consumers and hurt the Maine lobster industry.

Surimi comes from Alaska pollock or other whitefish that is formed and flavored to imitate crab, lobster, scallops and other types of seafood. The FDA is now allowing the product to be labeled as “crab-flavored seafood” or whatever seafood it is made to resemble, rather than as “imitation.”

Kristen Millar, executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, said the rule change amounts to “misleading marketing” at a time when consumers are demanding more accurate labeling.