New FDA Tool Clarifies Seafood Labeling

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new online module in an effort to ensure the proper labeling of seafood products offered for sale in the U.S. marketplace.

The tool offers an overview of the federal identity labeling requirements for the sale of seafood interstate, a list of laws and regulations regarding proper labeling, as well as tips for identifying mislabeled seafood in the distribution channel. The tool also includes three videos that focus on the specific laws, regulations and guidance documents affecting seafood labeling.

“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 we’ve 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 that’s focused resources away from application and execution and on to politics.”