USDA approves catfish imports from China, Vietnam, Thailand
The move follows new regulations for catfish being imported into the United States.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) plans to publish a Federal Register notice on Wednesday that will allow China, Vietnam and Thailand to export catfish and catfish products to the United States.
The USDA announced the move Monday, following major seafood organizations such as National Fisheries Institute protesting new regulations for catfish imports as part of a USDA catfish inspection program.
Politico reported Monday that NFI President John Connelly lauded the move by the USDA.
“Catfish, like other seafood, has been and will remain a safe and nutritious meal for American families,” he said.
“Tens of thousands of Americans who process catfish from these countries can be more confident they will continue to have jobs as a result of this proposal.”
