NOAA and FDA Boost Seafood Safety Efforts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are taking “additional steps” to enhance seafood safety following the BP oil spill in US Gulf waters.

The strategy includes precautionary closures, increased seafood testing inspections and a re-opening protocol, the group said in a statement.

“Closing harvest waters that could be exposed to oil protects the public from potentially contaminated seafood because it keeps the product from entering the food supply,” said, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, Dr Jane Lubchenco.

The FDA said it will first target oysters, crab, and shrimp for additional sampling, which due to their biology retain contaminants longer than finfish.

The NOAA will reopen closed areas only if it is assured that fish products within the closed area meet FDA standards for public health.