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 according to HACCP is required as an alternative. Less than 1/3 of importers inspected by the FDA had the required documentation to demonstrate compliance. Even when the FDA unearths major problems in a country, they fail to follow up and do not require automatic examination of the products still entering the US from the country. Farm raised fish, prevalent in foreign countries, are often times fed meals that are laced with banned substances. In China, some farm raised fish have been found to contain antibiotics, including leuco-malachite green found in tilapia. The FDA has banned this substance since 1983 due to its serious toxicity. Alarmingly enough, nearly 1/3 of US tilapia comes from China. An independent study in North Carolina found Formaldehyde in imported fish from Asia as well. This brings to light the holes in safety regulating organizations in charge of imported seafood. Even though the risk for natural contamination is always present, the US has strict agencies that work to increase the safety of seafood domestically. The FDA, PREDIT model, EDF, NOAA, and HACCP all play a role in seafood safety. The US fishery society and NOAA work hard to regulate the sustainability of the US fishing system but the same cannot be said for foreign caught seafood. Which is often overfished and sometimes illegally caught and sold. This bill would support the American fishing industry and their families. …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 feed. As a nation, we do not want the children utilizing the National School Lunch Program exposed to potentially
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 according to HACCP is required as an alternative. Less than 1/3 of importers inspected by the FDA had the required documentation to demonstrate compliance. Even when the FDA unearths major problems in a country, they fail to follow up and do not require automatic examination of the products still entering the US from the country. Farm raised fish, prevalent in foreign countries, are often times fed meals that are laced with banned substances. In China, some farm raised fish have been found to contain antibiotics, including leuco-malachite green found in tilapia. The FDA has banned this substance since 1983 due to its serious toxicity. Alarmingly enough, nearly 1/3 of US tilapia comes from China. An independent study in North Carolina found Formaldehyde in imported fish from Asia as well. This brings to light the holes in safety regulating organizations in charge of imported seafood. Even though the risk for natural contamination is always present, the US has strict agencies that work to increase the safety of seafood domestically. The FDA, PREDIT model, EDF, NOAA, and HACCP all play a role in seafood safety. The US fishery society and NOAA work hard to regulate the sustainability of the US fishing system but the same cannot be said for foreign caught seafood. Which is often overfished and sometimes illegally caught and sold. This bill would support the American fishing industry and their families. …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 feed. As a nation, we do not want the children utilizing the National School Lunch Program exposed to potentially