La. senators try to prevent oyster ban

The proposed ban on unsterilized oysters harvested during warm weather months drew opposition in Congress last week.

Louisiana’s two U.S. senators and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida introduced a bill that would bar the use of funds to implement the ban, which was announced last month by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Also last week, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-Napoleonville), who represents much of the Louisiana coast, introduced the Gulf Oyster Protection Act, a bill similar to the one in the Senate.

The prohibition on Gulf Coast oysters not treated for the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus would take effect in 2011 and would be applied annually between April and October on oysters from Louisiana, Texas and Florida. The bacterium can cause illness in people with weakened immune systems or who have other medical problems.

“This is a serious overreach by the FDA and it must be stopped,” said U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) in a release. “This regulation puts our entire oyster industry at risk and could force thousands of Louisianans out of work. We simply cannot let that happen, and this legislation is one of many solutions I plan to pursue.”

“Seafood plays a big role in Louisiana’s culture and history and state economy,” said U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) in the release. “Typical of the federal bureaucracy once it decides to act, the FDA is going overboard.

“Banning raw oysters is an irresponsible solution to a problem that could be solved through increased education and awareness. Not only are gulf oysters a delicacy for all to continue to enjoy, but they also support a local industry that employs thousands of individuals along the Gulf of Mexico.”

Around 15 percent of oysters harvested in Louisiana are treated to remove Vibrio vulnificus.

“It’s an unnecessary cost into their operation,” said state Rep. Jerry Gisclair (D-Larose), who represents coastal Lafourche Parish. “It will hurt the market. Not everybody is geared up for the process.”

Landrieu and Melancon were scheduled to meet this week with U.S. senators and representatives from Gulf Coast states and officials in the food and drug administration to discuss the ban.

“(Melancon) feels there can be a lot more moderate approach,” said his spokeswoman Robin Winchell.

Melancon requested $348,000 worth of earmarks in appropriations bills in 2009 and 2010 to fund education campaigns about the dangers of eating untreated oysters.