H.R. 512: Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act

This bill, titled the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act, aims to establish a fund dedicated to enhancing the inspection and consumption of shrimp and shrimp-related products in the United States.

Establishment of the Fund

The bill creates a new fund in the United States Treasury called the Inspection and Consumption of Shrimp and Shrimp Products Fund. This fund will receive money equal to 70% of the duties collected on imported shrimp and shrimp products. These duties are from countervailing duties or antidumping duties related to certain shrimp products as defined in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Allocation of Fund Resources

The funds collected will be used as follows:

• 50% for Health and Human Services: This portion will be allocated for:
• The inspection and testing of shrimp that might have high contamination risks from unapproved antibiotics.
• Inspections of seafood importers and related training activities to ensure compliance with health laws.
• Cooperation among federal agencies to confirm that imported shrimp are not sourced from forced labor or illegal fishing practices.
• 50% for Agriculture: The other half will be used to promote the domestic consumption of shrimp, encouraging Americans to purchase and eat more shrimp products.

Funding Availability

Funds in this new account will remain available until they are fully spent, meaning there is no expiration for the use of these funds within the fiscal years they are allocated.

Supplementary Funding

The bill specifies that the funds used for purchasing shrimp will act as additional funding and not replace any existing federal funding aimed at purchasing shrimp under other federal programs.

Background and Context

The initiative comes in light of growing concerns regarding food safety and the sourcing of seafood products. By creating this fund, the bill aims to ensure that imported shrimp products meet health standards and promote domestic consumption among U.S. consumers.

Relevant Companies

• HLF (Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.): As a company that may source seafood products, particularly shrimp, it could be subject to increased inspection regulations.
• THO (Thor Industries, Inc.): Manufacturers of recreational vehicles that may have seafood-related products or services could face implications for sourcing and compliance.