The House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Bayham calls on the United States Congress to take necessary actions to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fulfills its responsibilities regarding the inspection and testing of 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 raises concerns about the safety of these products. It references a study conducted by Louisiana State University that found harmful residues in imported shrimp, indicating that current FDA screening and enforcement measures are inadequate. The resolution emphasizes the need for improved oversight to protect American consumers from unsafe seafood.

Furthermore, the resolution points out that the FDA has not met mandated inspection targets for food facilities since 2018, inspecting far fewer foreign facilities compared to domestic ones. It contrasts the FDA's practices with stricter standards imposed by the European Union on imported fishery products, which require official certification and systematic checks. The resolution urges Congress to support the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to enhance the FDA's inspection and testing of imported seafood, thereby ensuring the safety of seafood consumed in Louisiana and across the nation.