Seafood Safety and Inspection

Federal investment in seafood industry safety strengthens both consumer confidence and economic vitality. These investments fund important research, technologies, and training to help prevent contamination, reduce workplace hazards, and ensure the highest quality seafood reaches the market. While USDA has the authority to inspect Siluriformes fish, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring the rest of the nation’s seafood supply, both domestic and imported, is safe, sanitary, wholesome, and honestly labeled. 

Resources

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Catfish from Farm to Table 
Catfish is the largest aquaculture industry in the United States. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, catfish growers in the United States had sales of $437 million in 2023. Through the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills, Congress gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) authority to inspect Siluriformes fish, such as catfish. Read on for information about this white meat, low-fat fish, which is the sixth most popular seafood species in the U.S.

Siluriformes Fish Import Labeling 
This guidance provides information about regulatory requirements for the labeling of imported Siluriformes fish products.

Compliance Guideline for Establishments that Slaughter or Further Process Siluriformes Fish and Fish Products
This guidance document is designed to help official establishments that slaughter or further process Siluriformes fish and fish products meet FSIS regulatory requirements.