NOAA: Gulf seafood tested so far is safe to eat
To date, roughly 400 samples of commonly consumed species caught
mostly in open waters -- and some from closed areas -- have been
chemically tested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Officials say none so far has shown concerning
levels of contaminants. Each sample represents multiple fish of the
same species.
NOAA and the Food and Drug Administration began catching seafood
species in the Gulf within days of the April 20 BP rig explosion
off Louisiana that generated a massive oil spill.
The agency is mostly looking for polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, or PAHs, the most common carcinogenic components of
crude oil.
The first line of defense in keeping tainted seafood from the
market is the closing of about one-third of federal Gulf waters to
commercial fishing -- roughly 80,000 square miles.
Seafood inspectors also have been trained to sniff out oily
product. One fish sample has failed the smell test, but did not
show concerning levels of contaminants, Kevin Griffis of the
Commerce Department said Friday.
Still, Don Kraemer, who is leading FDA's Gulf seafood safety
efforts, said the government isn't relying on testing alone.
"We couldn't possibly have enough samples to make assurances
that fish is safe. The reason we have confidence in the seafood is
not because of the testing, it's because of the preventive measures
that are in place," such as fishing closures, he said.
FDA issued guidance last month that encourages seafood
processors to heighten precautions so they know the origin of their
seafood.
The federal government plans surprise inspections at docks along
the Gulf Coast, though Dr. Steve Murawski, NOAA's chief scientist,
acknowledged they can't be everywhere.
"It's like enforcing anything. You can't be everywhere all the
time and handle every fish. We're going to try to be real
visible," Murawski said.