H.R.2776 - Imported Seafood Quality Enforcement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2776, the Imported Seafood Quality Enforcement Act, aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to enhance the safety of imported seafood. The bill mandates that imported seafood meet U.S. standards through reliable analytical methods and requires the Secretary to certify exporting countries' compliance. It also includes provisions for increased inspections, mandatory testing, and cooperation with states for seafood inspections.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to stricter oversight of imported seafood, potentially reducing the risk of contaminated or unsafe seafood entering the U.S. market. Increased inspections and testing could also result in higher costs for importers, which may be passed on to consumers. The bill also establishes penalties for knowingly making false statements related to seafood testing and inspection.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced food safety for consumers by reducing the risk of contaminated seafood.
- Increased transparency and accountability in the imported seafood industry.
- Potential for improved public health outcomes due to safer seafood consumption.
- Support for domestic seafood producers by ensuring fair competition with imported products.
- Cooperation with states to leverage local resources for inspection and testing.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for importers due to mandatory testing and inspections, potentially leading to higher seafood prices for consumers.
- Potential trade disruptions if exporting countries struggle to meet U.S. standards.
- Increased administrative burden on the FDA to conduct inspections and certifications.
- Possible delays in seafood imports due to increased scrutiny and testing.
- Could disproportionately affect smaller seafood exporters who may lack resources for compliance.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. By setting standards for imported seafood and enforcing those standards through inspections and testing, the bill directly regulates international trade. The bill also aligns with the general welfare clause as it aims to protect the health and safety of the American people.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).