By Steve Bittenbender
Seafood Source
Starting Sunday, 1 August, a new law took effect in Louisiana that expands the testing requirements for foreign-produced seafood sold by state businesses.
Under the law, commercial seafood permit holders who sell imported seafood will be charged a USD 100 (EUR 84.24) annual fee. According to a fiscal note for the bill, the fee will raise USD 7,500 (EUR 6,317) annually.
State Rep. Timothy Kerner (R-Lafitte) sponsored the bill, H.B. 317, in the Louisiana State Legislature during its session earlier this year. It calls for the creation of the the Imported Seafood Safety Fund,, which will be earmarked to the Louisiana Department of Health.