WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today released the statement below following the announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it would cease all plans to impose harmful new regulations on Gulf oyster production:
“Today’s announcement by the FDA is a tremendous victory for our oyster farmers and great news for North Florida’s coastal communities. I want to thank the people of Franklin County who have been partners with me as we worked together to push back on the FDA’s proposal. It is because of our concerted efforts over the past few weeks that we are able to celebrate today. I will continue working with the FDA and the people of North Florida to ensure that any new regulations do not infringe upon the livelihood of our local oyster industry.”
Congressman Boyd led the effort to prohibit the FDA from moving forward with their regulation. Last week, Congressman Boyd introduced the Gulf Oyster Protection Act of 2009 in the House of Representatives, legislation that would prohibit the FDA from using federal funds to implement any regulations that would inhibit oyster harvesting in the Gulf Coast during the months of May to November.
Additionally, in October, Congressman Boyd sent a letter to Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of the FDA, urging the FDA to retract any mandatory actions that would affect oyster harvesters’ abilities to farm year-round.
The FDA will abandon its recently proposed policy that would require all oysters harvested in Gulf Coast waters be subjected to a procedure known as Post Harvest Processing. Instead, they will commission a study to explore more economical strategies for improving oyster safety. No new guidance or regulations will be announced until the that study is completed.
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