Louisiana is the number one producer of fish and shellfish in the contiguous U.S.; one out of every 70 jobs in the state is related to the seafood industry. Seafood dealers—or any one who buys or handles seafood that will be sold, or resold—play a critical role in producing a fresh and superior product.
Seafood is highly perishable, so handling throughout the supply chain is heavily regulated to ensure consumer safety. Wholesale/retail seafood dealers, and retail seafood dealers, must be familiar not only with LDWF regulations, but those of the LA Department of Health & Hospitals, LA Department of Agriculture, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (including HACCP plans), and the impacts of the Food Safety & Modernization Act.
The curriculum included here, put together by Louisiana Fisheries Forward, provides a detailed overview of rules that govern the handling, storage, processing and packaging of seafood products, licensing and permitting, regulatory inspection, and good manufacturing practices.
Find out more about Louisiana Seafood Dealers and Processors
Public Health Emergency Response for Seafood Processing Plants Fact Sheet
Fishing Safety and Information During Public Health Emergency Fact Sheet