WASHINGTON (KLFY) – Two Louisiana congressmen have introduced legislation designed to allow the federal government to destroy some imported seafood as a public safety measure.

Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) and Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) introduced the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, which grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to destroy imported products that pose a significant public health concern.

The bill would grant the FDA additional authority to destroy food products that don’t pass initial inspection, ensuring that contaminated seafood imports don’t reach American consumers and potentially cause harm, according to a joint news release.

Currently, any FDA-regulated medical devices and medication can be destroyed if the agency deems the imported item a health risk for public use. However, this authority does not extend to imported food products that are inspected and fail to meet U.S. health and safety standards, according to the release.

"This legislation is a crucial step forward in safeguarding American’s health and supporting Louisiana’s economy,” Carter said. “By granting the FDA the necessary authority to destroy food products that fail to meet our stringent health and safety standards, we are closing a dangerous loophole that has allowed contaminated seafood to enter our markets. This bill protects consumers from potential health risks and upholds the integrity of our food supply chain, while supporting Louisiana fishermen and seafood processors.”

Last year, Higgins introduced the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act, which holds foreign countries and exporters to the same standards that U.S. seafood producers and processors abide by.

“The United States must prioritize the health and safety of the American people,” Higgins said. “Currently, billions of pounds of un-inspected foreign seafood continue to enter the country, causing major health concerns. God only knows what’s in the shipments that enter through our ports. This legislation provides the FDA with the authority to destroy illegal seafood imports and ensure they do not reach American markets.”

Paul Zajicek, executive director of the National Aquaculture Association, said failing an initial FDA inspection does not always keep tainted seafood out of the country.

"Amongst the U.S. aquaculture community that competes against foreign imported seafood it is common knowledge importers will 'shop' ports of entry after an initial denial by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration," Zajicek said. "We strongly support Congressman Higgins’ and Congressman Carter’s much needed bill, which will provide the agency with commonsense authority to destroy tainted product and, as a long-term outcome, will discourage and prevent an unethical tactic."

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