FDA Commissioner Makes Statement About Reopening Some Waters to Fishing

DATE: July 30, 2010 07:43:03 CST

Statement by Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, on the Reopening of some Louisiana State Waters to Commercial Fishing

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“We are pleased to be able to support the state of Louisiana as they reopen state waters to commercial fishing yesterday that span from the Mississippi River Delta to the Mississippi state line. Through close coordination with our state and federal partners, we are confident all appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that seafood harvested from the waters being opened today is safe and that Gulf seafood lovers everywhere can be confident eating and enjoying the fish and shrimp that will be coming out of this area."

“When I met with commercial fishermen and seafood processors earlier this week in New Orleans, they stressed the importance of not only getting back to their livelihoods, but also a real commitment to protecting the health of their customers and making sure consumers had the most up-to-date and accurate information available."

“The fishermen and processors in the Gulf want to know that all of the proper protocols and testing methods were used to ensure that the seafood is safe. FDA is supporting Louisiana in this reopening as it is clear that all the proper protocol and methods were indeed followed."

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in all of the Gulf states to reopen affected waters as quickly and safely as possible.”