|
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has launched a new website as part of a public awareness campaign to riase awareness that Florida Gulf seafood – including snapper, grouper, shrimp, blue crab, oysters and clams - is safe.
“Many consumers still have the misperception that Florida seafood was adversely affected by the oil spill that took place more than a year ago,” said Commissioner Adam Putnam. “Our testing shows that Florida seafood has not been impacted by the oil spill and we want consumers to know that Florida seafood is safe and available to enjoy.”
From August 2010-June 2011, the Department’s Division of Food Safety screened 297 samples of finfish and shellfish for possible oil contamination from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and found all levels below the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ranks of concern.
Over the next three years, USD 10 million in additional funding will allow the department to expand the testing.
But public perception of Florida seafood remains distrustful: a survey done in April showed that 63 per cent of Floridians were concerned, up from 48 per cent in January. Fifty-nine per cent were worried about the unforeseen risks of the oil spill on seafood safety.
Should people be 'stimulated' to eat white fish alternatives to cod?
