Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today praised an announcement that will protect the Gulf Coast oyster industry.

“I am pleased with the FDA’s decision to reverse their proposal to ban the summer harvesting of oysters along the Gulf Coast,” said Boustany.  “This ruling will protect a half-billion dollar industry responsible for 3,500 jobs along the Gulf Coast.  Continued education and awareness regarding the consumption of raw oysters is the responsible thing to do.”

Boustany’s comments followed the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement that they would not seek additional controls on post-harvest oyster processing during warm months and would instead conduct an independent study to efficiently treat post-harvest oysters without hurting the industry. 

David Bertand, co-owner of Shucks! the Louisiana Seafood House in Abbeville, said of the decision, “I am thrilled and relieved in the decision of the FDA to back off on their intention to eliminate or limit the consumption of our Louisiana oysters.  We welcome people throughout the world and our incredible oyster is the draw.  Hats off to our legislators for banning together and bringing common sense to Washington.”

On November 6th Boustany, along with seventeen fellow coastal lawmakers, sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg expressing concern that a ban would force the oyster industry to implement costly and potentially devastating post-harvesting methods.  

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