Louisiana Senator David Vitter has introduced the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act which he says would increase the safety of seafood that is imported to the United States.

He says the measure would also help to protect businesses in addition to consumers eating imported products.

Vitter, Chairman of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, says this measure would require tougher standards for seafood coming into the country.

The Senator says the measure is vital, not only for safety, but for our economy.

Vitter says,

 

“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. 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.”

 

Vitter says when it comes to seafood, everyone should be subject to the same standards.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain agrees,

 

“States are already implementing aggressive seafood inspection and testing programs. All foreign seafood coming into this country needs to be held to the same standards as our domestic seafood industry. We know we have safe, quality seafood products that consumers want. We think that this is the first step of many to protect our consumers.”

 

Vitter says this act just adds to his previous legislation that doesn’t allow seafood imports that don’t comply with the Federal Food, Cosmetic and Drug Act.

His Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act seeks more inspection and testing standards for seafood coming into America along with setting limits as to the ports of entry into our country.

In addition to the added standards, the Act would stiffen the penalties on anyone caught mislabeling products.  It goes further by also allowing a ban on countries and seafood producers who violate the new rules.

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