Safer Shrimp Imports Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3324
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-22T08:08:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Safer Shrimp Imports Act (H.R. 3324) aims to enhance food safety for shrimp imported into the United States by requiring inspections of foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold shrimp intended for U.S. consumption. It amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to enforce equivalent food inspection standards abroad, preventing the entry of shrimp from non-compliant countries.
Key Provisions
- International Agreements: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA) must seek arrangements with foreign governments of countries that have registered facilities handling shrimp for U.S. import. These agreements facilitate inspections and oversight.
- Import Restrictions: Starting one year after enactment, shrimp from foreign countries will be refused entry into the U.S. if:
- The country has not entered into an agreement with the Secretary, or
- Its food inspection system does not meet FDA-equivalent criteria for shrimp safety.
- Inspection Criteria: A foreign food inspection system is considered equivalent if it demonstrates (to the FDA's satisfaction) uniform enforcement of laws on shrimp farming and transportation conditions, including adequate staffing. Foreign governments must provide copies of their relevant laws, regulations, and other details to prove compliance.
- Adulteration Definition: Shrimp from non-compliant foreign facilities is classified as "adulterated" under the FD&C Act, making it illegal to import or sell in the U.S.
- Reporting Requirement: The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress (starting one year after enactment) detailing the implementation of these changes, including progress on agreements and inspections.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amendments to Section 807 (Foreign Facility Inspections): Adds a new subsection (c) mandating proactive FDA engagement with foreign governments specifically for shrimp facilities, building on existing provisions for general foreign food facility oversight by introducing shrimp-specific timelines and refusal criteria.
- Amendments to Section 402 (Adulteration Standards): Expands the definition of adulterated food to explicitly include non-compliant imported shrimp, creating a direct legal barrier to entry that did not previously exist for this product.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The FDA will face increased administrative burdens, including negotiating international agreements, verifying foreign systems, and enforcing import refusals, potentially requiring additional resources for inspections and reporting.
- Citizens: U.S. consumers may benefit from safer shrimp imports, reducing risks from contaminants or poor handling practices in foreign production, though prices could rise if supply from non-compliant countries is restricted.
- International Relations: Could strain trade ties with major shrimp-exporting countries (e.g., those in Asia or Latin America) that fail to meet standards, prompting diplomatic negotiations or disputes under international trade agreements like those enforced by the World Trade Organization.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Consumers and Importers: Benefit from enhanced safety but may experience supply disruptions or higher costs for shrimp products.
- Foreign Shrimp Producers and Governments: Facilities in exporting countries must comply with U.S. standards or face import bans, affecting their market access and economies.
- FDA and Related Agencies: Responsible for implementation, including oversight and enforcement, which could influence broader food import policies.
- U.S. Seafood Industry: Domestic producers might gain a competitive edge from restricted foreign imports, while retailers and wholesalers could see changes in sourcing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens FDA authority over imports under the FD&C Act without needing new rulemaking, but refusal of shipments could lead to legal challenges from importers claiming unfair trade barriers. The adulteration clause provides a clear enforcement tool, aligning with existing public health protections.
- Constitutional: Supports Congress's power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce (Article I, Section 8) by prioritizing national food safety, with no apparent conflicts to due process or equal protection.
- Political: Reflects bipartisan interest in food security (introduced by representatives from shrimp-producing states like Louisiana), potentially influencing future trade negotiations or FDA funding. It may spark debates on protectionism versus global trade, especially amid concerns over antibiotic use or environmental standards in foreign aquaculture.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-05-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Safer Shrimp Imports Act — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (4 pages)