Radioactive Shrimp ‘Good’ For Louisiana – Here’s Why
(KMDL-FM) You've probably seen the headlines and read the story. If you haven't, you can follow this link to learn more about the recent recall of frozen shrimp that had to be made by the giant retailer Walmart. Federal investigators say the shrimp imported from Indonesia showed signs of possible radioactive contamination.
Here in Louisiana, this story affects us in a lot of different ways, but maybe, just maybe, this "nuclear shrimp" imported from southeast Asia can be the bombshell that finally blows the lid off one of the greatest injustices in American agriculture. We have to protect American farmers/fishermen from cheaper, inferior imported products.
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Here's why this story just might be the catalyst that turns the tide for Louisiana and Gulf Coast shrimpers. The rest of the world is finally finding out what we've known all along: the imported shrimp is crap. It's not harvested and processed under the same regulations as our Gulf shrimpers face.
That's why the imported shrimp is usually cheaper, and for people who don't know better, that low price looks a lot better than a fair price for a better product does. However, I do think consumers will draw the line at "radioactive". I think I would pay more for shrimp that wouldn't light up my insides and create cancerous tumors.
What Do Louisiana Shrimpers Say About the Radioactive Shrimp Recall?
The Louisiana Shrimp Association is using this Walmart recall of inferior imported shrimp as a battle cry for consumers to demand better. The LSA wants you to ask your seafood provider for country of origin information on every product you buy.
If you order shrimp in a restaurant, demand to know where it came from, and if you suspect they aren't being truthful, ask to see the box it came in. An honest restaurateur will be happy to provide that information to you.
Nungesser Proposes Shrimp Inspection Fee on Imported Shrimp
Lt Governor Billy Nungesser has sent a letter to President Trump and Louisiana's congressional delegation asking them to support a ten-cent per pound inspection fee for all imported shrimp. If you ask me, that seems fair. It also subjects foreign producers to similar safety standards that our Louisiana shrimpers face.
A level playing field is all we are asking for. Because when the field is level, no other product can compete with Louisiana seafood, especially Louisiana shrimp. Please, ask when and where you buy your seafood, "Where did this come from"? And then don't be afraid to walk away if they won't tell you.
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