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 for inspection at least every two years and, like high risk 

 processors, more often if necessary. 



In addition to our mandatory surveillance program, the National 

 Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) operates a voluntary 

 fee-for-service inspection program for processors and others 

 who wish to purchase it. Its program has traditionally been 

 oriented toward product quality, providing grading and similar 

 services, but also responds to safety problems consistent with 

 a memorandum of understanding with FDA. The two agencies have 

 worked well together over the years on seafood issues and we 

 are proud of our relationship with NMFS. 



States also conduct inspections of seafood processors, so the 

 overall frequency of inspection — combining Federal and State 

 — is much higher depending on the intensity of State activity. 

 The State of Alaska, for example, which accounts for half of 

 domestic seafood tonnage, has a substantial inspection program. 



We are often asked whether our combined inspection frequency is 

 adequate to ensure safety. The question is a valid one, and we 

 and others have given it considerable thought over the years. 

 The National Academy of Sciences, in its 1991 study of seafood 

 safety, concluded that an increase in frequency would have no 

 bearing on safety, but did advocate that inspections be 



