of the principle findings by the National Academy of Sciences on 

 shellfish safety. 



In simple terms, it requires FDA to issue minimum standards 

 and procedures for State shellfish programs, and mandates that im- 

 porting countries meet equivalent standards. Mr. Chairman, as I 

 talk to representatives of this industry, I am impressed by their 

 commitment to producing quality products. The region of the coun- 

 try that I represent leads the Nation in oyster production and 

 enjoys a reputation for producing safe, high quality shellfish prod- 

 ucts. These individuals support enactment of the Shellfish Safety 

 Act because they recognize that by addressing consumer safety 

 they are not only ensuring the future of their industry, but they 

 are ensuring that shellfish are kept on the dinner plate where they 

 belong and off the front pages. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Manton. I thank the gentlewoman. Unless there are other 

 members that have questions of the distinguished Chairman, Mr. 

 Dingell, we will excuse him, knowing that he has lots of other 

 duties to involve himself with. 



Mr. Dingell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, members of 

 the Committee. 



Mr. Manton. Thank you, Mr. Dingell. 



Mr. Taylor, you are recognized for purposes of an opening state- 

 ment. 



Mr. Manton. At this point, we would like to combine both 

 panels two and three because I think we are liable to get some 

 Floor action coming up within the next hour, so if we could have- 

 suppose we can fit everybody up there, our next panel which will 

 consist of Ms. Nancy Foster, Acting Assistant Administrator for 

 Fisheries; Mr. Thomas Billy, Director, Office of Seafood, Food and 

 Drug Administration; Mr. Bill Taylor, President, Pacific Coast 

 Oyster Growers; Dr. Paul Blake, Acting Chief of the Foodborne and 

 Diarrheal Diseases Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases; 

 Mr. Jim Salmon, First Vice President, National Fisheries Institute 

 and Senior Vice President of Purchasing for Red Lobster Restau- 

 rants, and, finally, Mr. Bill Morgan, President, Shellfish Institute 

 of North America. 



If you would kindly come to the witness table. As you do that, I 

 want to express my disappointment and concern over the fact that 

 Dr. Kessler, the Chairman of the Food and Drug Administration, 

 has chosen not to testify today. While I understand his representa- 

 tive, Mr. Billy, is the Director of FDA's Office of Seafood and well 

 versed in the issues, I believe the Subcommittee should be hearing 

 directly from the Commissioner. 



Quite frankly, one of the reasons we are holding today's hearing 

 is because Dr. Kessler has brought renewed attention to this issue 

 through his recent public statements and articles. He says that 

 there is a problem and a need to develop a national program, and I 

 regret he is unable to directly brief the Subcommittee with jurisdic- 

 tion over this issue. While Dr. Kessler and the FDA may believe 

 they have the authority to develop this program through regula- 

 tions, there are many in the Congress, including members of this 

 Subcommittee, who believe legislation will be needed to implement 

 a new Seafood Safety Program. And, with that said for the record, 

 we will hear from our next witness, Ms. Nancy Foster. 



