Louisiana U.S. Representative Garret Graves and Alaska U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola have jointly urged for an immediate cessation of shrimp imports from India. Their call comes in response to the reports detailing food safety issues and labor violations at Indian processing facilities.

Health Standards Compromised

Graves highlighted that the imported shrimp fail to meet domestic health standards. The representatives emphasized the importance of prioritizing consumer health and safety in the seafood industry.

In advocating for domestic shrimp producers, Graves and Peltola emphasized the availability of high-quality shrimp from U.S. fisheries. They underscored the importance of supporting American shrimpers who adhere to stringent regulations to ensure the safety of both consumers and marine ecosystems.

Protecting Fair Trade

Graves emphasized the need to safeguard free and fair trade practices, voicing concerns that foreign farmed imports might be enjoying unfair advantages over domestic producers. He stressed the significance of preventing substandard imports from reaching consumers, particularly when superior alternatives are readily available within the country.

According to Graves, shrimp from India currently comprises approximately 40% of the shrimp consumed in the U.S. Citing a 2020 study conducted by LSU’s Agricultural Center, Graves pointed out that two-thirds of tested samples of imported shrimp were found to be contaminated.