SEAFOODNEWS.COM — January 21, 2015 — Senator David Vitter (R-La.), who is Chairman of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, introduced the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act. The bill purports to increase inspection standards on imported seafood "to ensure foreign exporters meet U.S. safety standards."
"Seafood plays a major role in Louisiana's culture, small businesses, and economy, which is why it is so important to protect consumers and our Louisiana seafood industry," said Vitter. "My legislation levels the playing field between local small businesses and seafood producers and the big foreign exporters by holding everyone accountable to the same quality and safety standards."
The Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act builds upon previous legislation authored by Vitter that prevents the admission into the United States of all seafood products that do not comply with requirements established under the Federal Food, Cosmetic and Drug Act.
Importantly, the legislation requires increased inspection and testing standards for all imported seafood products and limits imports to designated ports of entry. The bill also would increase penalties on individuals or organizations that knowingly mislabel products and provides for a ban on certain countries or producers who violate these enhanced standards.
This story originally appeared on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It has been reprinted with permission.