Imported Seafood Safety: New Testing and Control Rules
This act introduces stricter rules for controlling imported seafood to ensure its safety. This means that products reaching citizens' tables will undergo more rigorous testing, aiming to enhance public health protection. Companies importing seafood will face more frequent inspections and associated fees.
Key points
Mandatory Testing: At least 20% of all imported seafood will undergo safety testing.
New Exporters: The first 15 shipments from any new exporter will always be tested.
Consequences of Failures: Companies whose products fail tests will face more frequent inspections, and repeated failures could lead to a one-year import suspension.
Inspection Fees: Exporters will bear the costs of testing, which may impact the prices of imported seafood.
Rejected Products: Seafood failing standards will be detained, destroyed, or re-exported, and their packaging must be specially labeled.
Penalties for False Statements: Knowingly providing false information about tests or mislabeling products carries significant financial penalties.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_1236
Sponsor: Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
Process start date: 2021-02-23