The Gulf Coast is known for its rich seafood heritage, and Louisiana, USA, is no exception. With an economic impact of nearly USD 2.5 billion annually, the seafood industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy. However, state and federal politicians are taking a closer look at imported seafood, claiming it hurts local business and poses health risks to consumers.

FDA Authority to Destroy Unsuitable Imports

Congressmen Troy Carter and Clay Higgins are introducing a bill that would allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to destroy imported seafood deemed unsafe for consumption. The lawmakers argue that foreign countries have different health standards, making it challenging to track and trace contamination.

“We have different health standards because the way they track and trace and determine [if there is] bacteria is not as sophisticated as that of America,” said Rep. Carter. “God only knows what’s in the shipments that enter through our ports.”

Holding Foreign Processors to the Same Standards

In partnership with this bill, the lawmakers are sponsoring legislation that would hold foreign seafood processors to the same standards as domestic ones. This move aims to prevent a secondary bootleg market from emerging, undercutting local fishermen who adhere to stricter guidelines.

“It’s easy for someone to then add a secondary bootleg market to get that shrimp, sell it at a much cheaper price, which then undercuts the clean produce as being provided by fishermen who have gone the right route,” said Rep. Carter.

Promoting Local Seafood

By allowing the FDA to destroy unsuitable imports, lawmakers hope to keep consumers safer and encourage them to opt for locally sourced seafood. Rep. Carter emphasized the importance of supporting local industries, citing Louisiana’s estuaries as a source of high-quality shrimp and other seafood products.

“That’s why we always promote good Louisiana seafood, good Louisiana shrimp, oysters, crawfish and the like because we know without a doubt the estuaries that it comes from,” he said.

New Laws in Louisiana

The Louisiana legislative session has already passed several bills aimed at addressing this issue. One new law requires restaurants to label if they use foreign seafood, while another aims to prevent deceptive labeling practices that mislead consumers into thinking foreign seafood is from Louisiana.