Online tool designed to help regulators ensure proper labeling

October 24, 2014 Washington, DC The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has launched a new online learning module designed to help groups including state regulators ensure the proper labeling of seafood products offered for sale in the U.S. marketplace.

The tool, announced today, starts with an overview of the federal identity labeling requirements for seafood offered in interstate commerce. It provides a clear, list of the specific laws, regulations, guidance documents, and other materials pertinent to the proper labeling of seafood.

This effort is an important step that will help states focus on enforcement as well as industry focus on compliance, said Lisa Weddig, Secretary of the Better Seafood Board. Recently weve seen states working on new legislation to combat seafood fraud when these laws are already on the books. While well-intended, efforts to pass new regulations have been a distraction thats focused resources away from application and execution and on to politics.

The new FDA resource not only outlines existing regulations it includes tips for identifying mislabeled seafood in the wholesale distribution chain or at the point of retail.

The module includes three on line videos that include segments on specific laws, regulations, and guidance documents.

Members of the National Fisheries Institute have been encouraging this type of engagement from FDA for years and applaud this effort, said NFI President John Connelly.

The Better Seafood Board (BSB) was established by the National Fisheries Institute to provide a mechanism for industrys partners in the supply chain restaurants, retail operations, producers and processors - to report suppliers suspected of committing economic fraud.

Contact Information

Gavin Gibbons
(703) 752-8891
ggibbons@nfi.org