FDA
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FDA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release: July 29, 2010
STATEMENT BY MARGARET A. HAMBURG, COMMISSIONER OF FOOD AND DRUGS, ON
THE REOPENING OF SOME LOUISIANA STATE WATERS TO COMMERCIAL FISHING
"We are pleased to be able to support the state of Louisiana as they
reopen state waters to commercial fishing today 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."
For more information:
* FDA Letter to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
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Media Inquiries: Meghan Scott, 301-796-4675,
meghan.scott@fda.hhs.gov;
Sebastian Cianci, 301-436-2291,
sebastian.cianci@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
