Comments on Mandatory Inspection of Catfish and Products

In response to the Federal Register Notice of February 24, 2011, please find below the comments of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) in response to the Department of Agriculture’s Proposed Rule regarding the mandatory inspection of catfish and catfish products. While RILA commends the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for its efforts in preparing the Proposed Rule, RILA has significant concerns that this rule would reduce the available supply of catfish and other whitefish, drive up prices for American seafood consumers, and lead to additional efforts to expand FSIS jurisdiction over seafood that is currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. RILA therefore urges adoption of the narrowest possible rule in these circumstances.