Overall, coverage of the seafood industry by the mainstream media over the past two weeks was relatively quiet.
After a barrage of editorials two weeks ago about the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s proposed live oyster ban in the Gulf of Mexico, news sources continued to follow up on the saga.
Media outlets such as Portland, Maine’s Examiner.com and New Orleans’ Times-Picayune noted that the decision to delay the ban came after a public outcry from the industry as well as numerous Gulf Coast legislators.
FloridaEnvironments.com was one of a few news outlets that showed not everyone was pleased with the decision. The Web site quoted Kevin Begos, coordinator of the Franklin County Oyster and Seafood Industry Task Force, as saying the announcement did not ensure the future sale of raw oysters and that the FDA’s response does not address all of the industry’s concerns.
Most news sources reiterated the FDA’s press release, stating that before proceeding with implementing the ban, the agency will conduct an independent study to assess how post-harvest processing or other equivalent controls can be implemented in the Gulf Coast in the fastest, safest, most economical way.
Also receiving coverage by the mainstream media over the past two weeks was fish and its association with a healthy diet — a popular subject.
News sources including U.S. News and World Report and the Honolulu Star Bulletin ran stories about a new study that claimed the way fish is prepared has an effect on human health.
