March 28, 2013 — Earlier this month, after the fall out taking place after conservation group Oceana’s latest seafood mislabeling report, Representative Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) and five other Representatives introduced a bill in Congress to protect consumers, fishermen, and the public’s right to know (what they’re eating).
According to the Oceana report, one third of all seafood samples from across the nation were mislabeled. A government report from 2009 estimates that only 2% of seafood imported into the U.S. is inspected and only 0.001% is inspected for fraud. Rep. Markey, whose bill is available as a PDF here, takes issue with these data.
“Fish fraud is a national problem that needs a national solution. This bill finally tells the seafood swindlers and fish fraudsters that we will protect America’s fishermen and consumers from Massachusetts to Alaska”… “From tackle to table, this bill makes the entire seafood supply chain more transparent and trustworthy.” – Rep. Markey Press Release (3/6/13)
Originally introduced to Congress as the SAFE Seafood Act, this new iteration of the bill, the Safety and Fraud Enforcement for Seafood Act of 2013 (H.R. 1012) aims to close the door on fraudulent practices “that cheat fishermen and consumers, while posing health risks to pregnant mothers and others” (see, Press Statement).
Read the full story posted by Village Fishmonger at National Geographic