CRS Says Increased Seafood Imports Complicate U.S. Gov't Safety Efforts
The Congressional Research Service has issued a report (RS22797) on current food safety programs to protect consumers from contaminated seafood consumption.
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According to the report, most of the seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported. CRS states that when compared to the consumption levels of beef and poultry, seafood is responsible for a disproportionate number of food illness outbreaks, usually due to naturally occurring toxins in seafood. Worldwide, nearly a half of all seafood consumed is aquacultured (farm-raised), which may also contain potentially harmful chemicals.
CRS states that increased seafood imports, including from many Asian countries, have complicated efforts to protect consumers from unsafe fish and shellfish. For example, the FDA issued import alerts for farm-raised seafood imported from China which was contaminated with antimicrobial agents not approved for use in the U.S.
CRS adds that as of November 2010, three bills focusing specifically on seafood safety had been introduced: S. 92, which would require the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to refuse all imports of seafood or seafood products from a country or exporter that does not meet requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act); S. 2394, which would amend the FD&C Act to prohibit seafood imports unless the importing country complies with U.S. standards for seafood manufacturing, processing, and holding; and H.R. 1370, which would require the Secretaries of Commerce and HHS to enter into a memorandum of understanding for more cooperation and coordination on seafood safety activities.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 01/04/11 news, 11010426, for comprehensive BP summary on the Food Safety Bill.)