Safer Shrimp Imports Act
Safer Shrimp Imports Act
Plain Language Summary
# Safer Shrimp Imports Act - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would restrict shrimp imports into the United States by requiring that all shrimp-exporting countries either have food safety inspection systems that match FDA standards or have signed agreements allowing the FDA to inspect their shrimp facilities. If a country doesn't meet these requirements, shrimp from that country would be banned from import. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts shrimp importers and seafood companies that source shrimp from abroad, as well as consumers who buy imported shrimp. Foreign countries that export shrimp to the U.S.—particularly major suppliers like India, Thailand, and Vietnam—would need to comply with new inspection standards or agreements.
It was introduced by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), reflecting Mississippi's interest in domestic seafood production. **Key provision:** The FDA would be required to negotiate inspection arrangements with foreign governments and verify that their shrimp safety standards are equivalent to U.S. standards before allowing imports. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Safer Shrimp Imports ActThis bill prohibits the importation of shrimp from countries that do not have food inspection systems equivalent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection system for shrimp, or that have not entered into an agreement with the FDA facilitating U.S. inspection of their food facilities. Specifically, the FDA must seek to enter into arrangements and agreements with the government of each country with at least one facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds shrimp for consumption in the United States to facilitate FDA inspection of such facilities. The bill prohibits the importation of shrimp that is manufactured, processed, packed, or held in a country (1) that has not entered into an inspection arrangement or agreement with the FDA, or (2) the food inspection system of which is not equivalent to the FDA’s food inspection system with respect to shrimp. To be considered equivalent, a country’s food inspection system must include staffing that ensures uniform enforcement of applicable laws and regulations, and must provide for the enforcement of laws and regulations that address conditions under which shrimp are raised and transported to processing facilities. Further, shrimp imported or offered for import into the United States that have been manufactured, processed, packed, or held in a country that is not compliant with these requirements are deemed adulterated, and thus may not be introduced into interstate commerce.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.