House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Bayham calls on the United States Congress to take necessary actions to ensure that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enhances its inspection and testing protocols for imported seafood. The resolution highlights the significant volume of seafood imports into the U.S., which accounted for approximately 86% of consumption in 2022, and emphasizes the FDA's responsibility for ensuring the safety of these products. It cites alarming findings from a study conducted by Louisiana State University, which revealed the presence of harmful substances in imported shrimp, including banned drugs and sulfites, indicating that current inspection measures are inadequate and pose risks to consumer health.

The resolution further notes that the FDA has not met its mandated inspection targets since 2018, inspecting far fewer foreign facilities compared to domestic ones. It contrasts the FDA's practices with stricter standards applied by the European Union for seafood imports, which require comprehensive checks and certifications. By memorializing Congress to compel the FDA to improve its oversight of imported seafood, the resolution aims to protect public health and ensure that seafood consumed in Louisiana and across the U.S. is safe.