Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
June 2010
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
News coverage of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has been extensive, and rightly so. This is a major event, and everyone is deeply concerned about its impacts on the region's environment, wildlife and coastal tourism. As a State of Florida official, obviously I am deeply concerned about these impacts as well.
I am also concerned about misconceptions that are circulating about the safety and availability of Florida seafood. Because of these false impressions, our state's commercial fishing industry has suffered a severe economic blow. I hope that by setting the record straight we can provide consumers with a clearer picture of the current situation and ease their apprehension.
First, Florida seafood products are safe and plentiful. They have not been affected by the oil spill. The majority of the Gulf of Mexico is untouched by oil, and our commercial fishermen continue to harvest products from these clean waters.
Second, we are continually monitoring water samples off Florida's coast. If and when Florida waters are impacted by the spill, we will take immediate action to close the waters to commercial seafood harvesting. We would never jeopardize consumer safety by harvesting and selling any product that was not safe and wholesome.
Third, our commercial fishermen take great pride in the quality reputation that Florida seafood products have earned. Quite frankly, Florida seafood is something special -- and we would never put any product on the market that would tarnish that hard-earned reputation.
I hope that you will return delicious Florida seafood products to your table. Shrimp, oysters, blue crab, grouper, clams -- and all the other many fine seafood products that we harvest -- are safe and plentiful.
And, if you would like to come to Florida to enjoy that seafood meal, we would love to have you visit. Not only would our commercial fishermen thank you, but our hotel and restaurant workers would be most appreciative as well. For more Florida seafood information and recipes please go to www.FL-Seafood.com.
Sincerely,
Be the First to Know
Seafood lovers who are confused about the availability of Florida seafood products due to the Gulf oil spill can now get daily updates about the ongoing commercial harvest. The Department has implemented a new toll-free hotline at 1-800-357-4273 to provide consumers with current information about the status of Florida's open and closed fishing harvest areas, the availability of seafood varieties, and general pricing information.
Florida Seafood and a Healthy Diet
Florida is the best place to find fresh, locally caught seafood with over 80 different seafood varieties to savor. Florida's seafood industry is dedicated to supplying wholesome, nourishing and affordable seafood products. You will enjoy the premium quality and superior taste when you choose Florida seafood from our local waters at restaurants and seafood markets displaying the Fresh from Florida or GO NATIVE! logo.
Seafood Safe Handling Tips
- Purchase seafood last and keep it cold during the trip home.
- Keep raw and cooked seafood separate to prevent bacterial cross-contamination.
- After handling raw seafood, thoroughly wash knives, cutting surfaces, sponges and hands with hot soapy water.
- Marinate seafood in the refrigerator; discard used marinade to avoid bacteria from raw juices. For basting, reserve a portion before adding raw seafood.
Mislabeling or substituting fish species is illegal. Grouper has been a prime target for species substitution. For more information, go to www.FL-Seafood.com. If you believe a lesser-value fish has been substituted for grouper or other seafood has been mislabeled at a seafood retail store or supermarket seafood counter, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food Safety at 850-245-5520. If substitution occurs at a restaurant, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395.
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida government agencies are continually monitoring water samples off Florida’s coast. If and when Florida waters are impacted by the oil spill, authorities will take immediate action to close the waters to commercial seafood harvesting.
Visit Florida
VISIT FLORIDA is the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida. This site will provide Florida travel updates regarding the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, such as beach closures and travel notices.
