THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 21, 1994 TAG: 9409210434
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: RALEIGH LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
A legislative panel studying seafood and aquaculture issues Tuesday began to tackle the issue of ensuring that the seafood that makes its way to North Carolina tables is safe to eat.
One coastal lawmaker, who said he was the victim of contaminated seafood, said the state should do more to protect its citizens and warn them of the dangers of eating some raw seafood.
``I think a health certificate ought to be absolutely necessary. I don't think you can be too careful,'' said Rep. Vernon G. James, D-Pasquotank. James said he developed hepatitis several years ago after eating raw oysters in Raleigh.
Providing a health certificate designating that shellfish have been harvested from areas free from pollution and are free of disease was one of several steps discussed by the legislative panel to ensure the safety of seafood sold in North Carolina.
Another step, which may be recommended to lawmakers for debate next year, may involve posting of labels on some seafood products warning customers not to eat raw seafood.
``For those consumers who have immuno-deficiencies, they need that warning. The consumer needs to be aware of what kind of problems they will encounter with a raw product,'' said Rick Roe, director of the Division of Environmental Health.
``Our concern is what happens to the industry if we post warning labels.''
The committee discussed how best to regulate itinerant seafood dealers who sell seafood from coolers along roadsides during certain times of the year.
``There's no way that we can get to them all,'' said Robert L. Gordan, director of the Food and Drug Protection Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture, the agency which inspects the state's seafood processors and wholesale businesses. ``A lot of counties have addressed that through permitting requirements.''
And it discussed ways to alert consumers that they are eating imported seafood rather than fresh, local seafood.
``I have been told that we have one of the best food inspection programs in the country,'' said Gordan. ``That doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement.'' by CNB