A survey released this week by the Florida Department of Agriculture shows that Florida consumers are still wary of the impact the Gulf oil spill may have had on the safety of Gulf seafood.
Based on a survey of 1000 people conducted in mid April, 63 percent of Floridians remain concerned about the safety of Florida Gulf seafood, an increase from 48 percent since a similar survey was conducted in January 2010.
59 percent of Floridians are concerned about unforeseen risks of the oil spill on the safety of Florida seafood, an increase from 49 percent from the previous survey.
Nearly 46 percent of Floridians expressed concern about the long-term availability.
Despite the public perception that Gulf seafood is not safe, testing has shown that Florida seafood is safe.
The Department’s Chemical Residue Lab has screened 230 samples of finfish, shrimp, crabs, lobsters and oysters, and less than 11 percent were found to have even small traces of possible oil contaminants.
The state is about to begin a multi-faceted marketing campaign to remind Floridians that Florida seafood is safe to eat.
A 30-second television PSA promoting safe seafood will air on broadcast stations in the Panhandle Gulf Coast region during late April, and will air statewide on cable stations through the end of June.
Billboards, which will appear first in the Panhandle and later expand to other areas will promote the message, “Great Vacation. Great Seafood.”
The Department has also partnered with the Florida clam farmers to launch a spring promotion with COSTCO.
Starting in early May, COSTCO will double its normal purchases of Florida clams for in-store promotions that feature the “Florida Gulf Safe” logo.
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