Gulf Seafood Institute Responds To Seafood Safety Concerns During Government Shutdown

All seafood plants must HACCP trained personnel at all times to monitor the safely of the product. Photo: FDA

by Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink

As the government shutdown continues, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors responsible for the safety of the consumer’s food, including seafood, have been furloughed.

“It makes me nervous about not having those inspections, in having two small kids and knowing what we’re giving to them is safe,” Jennifer Baur, a New Orlean’s mother told Louisiana’s WWL-TV in a recent interview.

“It makes me think twice about buying something,” New Orleans’s Suzy Calamari also told the station.

“It makes me nervous about not having those inspections,” Jennifer Baur, a New Orlean’s mother told Louisiana’s WWL in a recent interview. Photo: WWL-TV

According to Harlon Pearce of the Gulf Seafood Institute, Baur should not worry about the safety of seafood coming from Gulf of Mexico during the shutdown.

“Seafood processors selling to the consumer are regulated under a federal Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Program.” explained Pearce.  “This program is self-maintained.  It serves as systematic preventive approach to food safety in the production processes.”

“All seafood plants must HACCP trained personnel at all times to monitor the safely of the product,” he said. “Plants are also subject to a yearly inspection by the FDA, as well as in Louisiana subject to monthly inspections by the state’s Department of Health and Hospitals.”

Gulf states have some of the nation’s top seafood producers. Since the Deepwater Horizon incident Gulf seafood is the most tested and safest in the world.  These test are done not only on a federal level, but also by Gulf States agencies unaffected by the shutdown.

According to Harlon Pearce of the Gulf Seafood Institute, consumers should not worry about the safety of seafood coming from Gulf of Mexico during the shutdown. Photo: Louisiana Seafood Board

In addition to federal inspectors, a majority of the Gulf’s seafood processors are subject to third party inspectors who often have even higher requirements than the government.

“Whole Foods, HEB, Costco, Trader Joes, HyVee and others are regularly visiting processors to verify the handling, safety and quality of Gulf seafood remains high,” he explained.

GSI, who represents all five Gulf States, is committed to protect the Gulf’s unique culture while elevating the Gulf Seafood brand with consumers, customers and policy leaders through advocacy, education and science.“

Peace said that seafood consumers like Baur and Calamari have nothing to fear when serving their favorite Gulf seafood. “You don’t have to worry about the safety of Gulf Seafood,” said Pearce who owns Harlon’s LA Fish in New Orleans. “We are doing our job, government shutdown or not, just like we do every day. We are committed to bring you the safest, best tasting seafood in the nation.”

Tags: Featured, Food and Drug Administration, Gulf Seafood Institute, HACCP, Harlon's LA Fish, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital, WWL-TV