[StBernard] Protecting Louisiana Seafood Producers and Consumers

[Westley Annis]

Dear  Friend,


	

Our state has a rich fishing  heritage that provides many Louisiana families
with their livelihoods and is a  central component of Louisiana's unique
cuisine.  Yet, too often, our  seafood producers and farmers have to compete
on an uneven playing field.

	

I believe that seafood imported  from other countries should be held to the
same high standards we place on our  own seafood, and to help accomplish
that goal, this month I introduced a bill to enhance the safety of seafood
imported into the United States. 

	

Ensuring the safety of imported  seafood products is vital to protecting
consumers and the seafood industry in  Louisiana.  Last year, I introduced a
bill to prevent "port shopping" and stop importers from attempting to bring
in  substandard products after first being denied entry at a particular
port.   This new legislation goes even further and  includes increased
standards to help ensure the quality and safety of imported  seafood
products.

	

My new bill would require increased  inspection and testing standards for
all imported seafood products and would  limit imports to designated ports
of entry.  Further, the bill increases  penalties on individuals or
organizations that knowingly mislabel products and  provides for a ban on
certain countries or producers who violate these enhanced  standards.  

	

I've  worked closely with Louisiana's Commissioner of Agriculture &
Forestry Mike Strain and shrimp and other seafood  producers to craft this
legislation, and I look forward to continuing to work  with them on this and
other measures to ensure the traditions of our seafood  industry can
continue and thrive.


Sincerely,
David Vitter
U.S.  Senator