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 for good reason -- we were concerned about seafood 



safety. We have seen to it that the program has received 



increased funding over the last several years, so that it 



can be more effective as the industry changes and as 



consumer preferences change. We need to continue to be 



vigilant so that program has the authority and resources it 



needs to be effective. 



Consumers are concerned about seafood. We 

 continue to hear press reports about illness related to 

 eating fish or shellfish. Just within these last few weeks, 

 we've been warned again about the risk associated with 

 eating raw oysters. This worries consumers, who wonder 

 whether they are vulnerable to seafood-related illness and 

 can not be certain about the safety of seafood they 

 purchase in a market or a restaurant. It worries the 



