DELCAMBRE, LA. (KLFY) — Louisiana shrimpers are renewing calls for tougher inspections on imported seafood after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled bags of Indonesian shrimp sold at Walmart under the “Great Value” label.

Acy Cooper, president of the Louisiana Shrimp Association addressed how shrimp tested positive for possible radioactive contamination, the latest in a series of problems linked to foreign imports.

“This has been going on for about 15 years. We know they’re contaminated, but we keep allowing them to come in,” Cooper said. “The U.K. tests 50 percent. We test less than one. Why is that? Even China tests more than the United States. And everything gets dumped on us. That’s not fair for our industry.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said the recall underscores the need for a federal inspection fee.

“I used this opportunity to write the president, the health director, and all of our congressmen and senators to once again advocate for a ten-cent per pound inspection fee on all imported seafood,” Nungesser said. “Every time we have one of these scares, people cringe and say, ‘Wow, that was really getting into the seafood we were eating.’”

Advocates, like Cheri Blanchard, a board member of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, warn the issue is more than just public health, it also threatens Louisiana’s shrinking share of the seafood market.

“Our market share has gone from nearly 100 percent to now just four percent,” Blanchard said. “Shrimp is meant to be caught wild, in the ocean. Instead, imports are raised in stagnant water and pumped with chemicals just to grow big enough to harvest. Louisiana shrimp is harvested in its natural state.”

Local shrimpers say the solution is simple: double-check packaging labels and support Louisiana seafood.

“Take a look at the American industry and give us a fair chance. Make sure people have the right to eat the good stuff,” Cooper said.

While debate continues in Washington over how to handle contaminated imports, Louisiana shrimpers maintain their boats and their catch remain a safe bet.

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