I am an undergrad Human Biology student studying nutrition at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. I am asking you to cosponsor the CONC US SB 2529 (or CONG US HR 4617) bill that would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requiring that the Buy American purchases for the school lunch program include fish harvested within United States waters, and for other purposes.
Fish caught outside of US waters runs a higher risk for contamination by substances banned in the United States. Most of the seafood the US consumes is imported, with 80-90% being imported and half of that is farm raised. Individuals who consume imported seafood are exposed to whatever level of safety practices exist in the country of origin. Although the US has many regulations in place regarding food safety, it is not a perfect system. Because of the large volume, the majority of fish imported for consumption in the United States is not able to be tested. According to FDA officials, in order to ensure that imported seafood is safe and meets correct HACCP requirements, the country needs to have equivalent processes or a compliant agreement set up with the FDA. So far no country has been able to meet these equivalences or had compliant practices. If a country does not have an agreement with the FDA, a record showing that their products have been processed …show more content…
The increase in spending would help assist the industry in more than an economical way, but ecologically as well. The reduction of the number of overseas fish exports would help to increase the amount of US jobs, as canneries and fish processing facilities would need to increase to meet American demand. Fish that has been wild caught in these waters, not only support the fisherman of America, but also have a healthier nutrient profile. As the majority of imported fish is farmed and can be exposed to harmful and banned chemicals in their
Fish caught outside of US waters runs a higher risk for contamination by substances banned in the United States. Most of the seafood the US consumes is imported, with 80-90% being imported and half of that is farm raised. Individuals who consume imported seafood are exposed to whatever level of safety practices exist in the country of origin. Although the US has many regulations in place regarding food safety, it is not a perfect system. Because of the large volume, the majority of fish imported for consumption in the United States is not able to be tested. According to FDA officials, in order to ensure that imported seafood is safe and meets correct HACCP requirements, the country needs to have equivalent processes or a compliant agreement set up with the FDA. So far no country has been able to meet these equivalences or had compliant practices. If a country does not have an agreement with the FDA, a record showing that their products have been processed …show more content…
The increase in spending would help assist the industry in more than an economical way, but ecologically as well. The reduction of the number of overseas fish exports would help to increase the amount of US jobs, as canneries and fish processing facilities would need to increase to meet American demand. Fish that has been wild caught in these waters, not only support the fisherman of America, but also have a healthier nutrient profile. As the majority of imported fish is farmed and can be exposed to harmful and banned chemicals in their