RESOLUTION OF THE HOUMA-TERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 

WHEREAS, Louisiana is far and away the premier oyster-producing state in the country, providing more than a third of the oysters brought to market nationwide, the vast majority of which are sold out of state; and

 

WHEREAS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced new rules, to take effect in 2011, that would require all oysters served in the United States between the months of April and October to undergo “post-harvest processing,” which would subject oysters to pressure, cold, heat, and/or irradiation; and

 

WHEREAS, the implementation of the post-harvest process would cause a severe strain on oyster producers, necessitating a debilitating capital investment from small, local operators; and

 

WHEREAS, the economic impact of the oyster industry is immense, with dollars re-circulating throughout Louisiana as a result of the industry generating $300 million per year and employing 3,500 people; and

 

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals already works with the oyster industry to perform biological tests on its products and to ensure that strict health regulations, including a guideline that requires refrigerating oysters less than five hours after they are harvested, are being followed; and

 

WHEREAS, mandating “post-harvest processing” is an unnecessary step that goes beyond the existing and more reasonable approach of having government authorities and the oyster industry provide adequate notice and effective outreach to consumers; and

 

WHEREAS, members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation have publicly opposed the onerous regulations proposed by the FDA and noted the minimal evidence of serious health effects, the importance of oysters in Louisiana’s culture, and the economic importance of the oyster industry; NOW THEREFORE

 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUMA TERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE that the Chamber stands with Louisiana’s congressional delegation in supporting the local oyster industry and vigorously opposes the severe burden that the Food and Drug Administration intends to place on that industry.

 

This Resolution was passed, approved, and adopted by the Board of Directors of the Houma Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce this tenth day of November, 2009.

 

THERE WAS RECORDED:
YEAS: 24
NAYS:  0

 

The Chairman declared the resolution adopted on this, the tenth day of November, 2009.