Four consumer groups and the United Food workers union asked the White House to expedite the creation of the catfish inspection program, now six years past due. “American consumers deserve a higher degree of trust in what they are eating but USDA has yet to meet its obligations under federal law,” said the groups in a letter to the White House, where the rule has been under review since May 30. The letter was signed by Consumer Federation of America, National Consumers League, Food and Water Watch, Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention, and United Food and Commercial Workers.
The 2008 farm law transferred responsibility to USDA from FDA for inspection of domestic and imported catfish but little action resulted. Under pressure from the 2014 farm law, FDA and USDA announced a memorandum of understanding in May to transfer jurisdiction to USDA for catfish and catfish-like fish, said Food Safety News. Food and Water Watch said the administration was dragging its feet because of pressure by importing nations. U.S. catfish farmers blame imported catfish for driving down prices and question the quality of the imports.
The letter is available here.