Rep. Ezell Introduces Safer Shrimp Imports Act to Ban Products From Countries With Weak Safety Standards
This bill is sitting in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where it must be reviewed before it can move forward. Nothing has happened with this bill since May 2025, which is a period of 13 months. Because most bills do not receive a committee vote, this proposal is considered stalled.
While the bill has support from both parties in states that produce shrimp, most bills like this struggle to pass because they could lead to higher food prices or trade fights with other countries.
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Small seafood importers, distributors, and restaurant owners who rely on affordable imported shrimp could face supply disruptions and higher costs if major exporting countries fail to meet the new safety requirements. On the other hand, small domestic shrimp businesses could see increased demand for their product.
“shrimp shall be refused admission into the United States if it is manufactured, processed, packed, or held in a foreign country-- ``(A) the government of which does not enter into an arrangement or agreement with the Secretary under paragraph (1)”
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The Safer Shrimp Imports Act would introduce an equivalency standard for foreign shrimp producers, requiring the FDA to ensure foreign systems match U.S. safety standards. Any shrimp imported from a non-approved facility would be automatically considered adulterated.
A bipartisan trio of House lawmakers introduced the Safer Shrimp Imports Act to tighten federal oversight. The bill requires foreign countries to demonstrate equivalent food inspection systems or face a ban on their shrimp exports to the U.S.
Introduced by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, the bill aims to eliminate harmful chemicals in the food supply by requiring foreign shrimp safety inspections to meet standards equivalent to those upheld in the U.S.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Safer Shrimp Imports Act
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