When the latest Consumer Reports landed on my doorstep last week, I was a lover of shrimp. But after reading their new report, shrimp will not be gracing my plate (or anyone in my family) unless it meets an entirely new standard.
What’s the worry? Evidently these tiny shrimp (yes, we know this is redundant to say!) that Americans consume in massive quantities are jeopardizing the planet’s health. In 2013, 1.1 billion pounds of shrimp were imported into the U.S. from foreign aquaculture operations. They are grown in down-right nasty conditions, irradiated and then showing up in the U.S. with bacteria, chemicals and known carcinogens.
The Consumer Reports study examined 284 samples of uncooked shrimp and 58 samples of cooked shrimp. Looking for such bacteria as E.coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio, they found that 60 percent of the uncooked shrimp samples were contaminated with one or more of the bacteria. Appetizing, right?
Not ready to give it up yet? Here are three more reasons you should choose a fish fry over fried shrimp plus a guide to helping you navigate these murky waters. Read the full report at greenerchoices.org.
- According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for every pound of shrimp harvested, six pounds of other species are discarded. Andy Sharpless, CEO of Oceana and author of the Perfect Protein states, “Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawlers catch and drown sea turtles as they draw the sea floor in search of shrimp.”
- 94 percent of our shrimp supply is imported; and Consumer Reports found that only 0.7 percent of imports were tested in 2014. What does this mean? While the FDA bans antibiotics in U.S.-produced shrimp, it can still be found in the shrimp being imported into the country, increasing antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
- Due to the close quarters and filthy conditions of some shrimp farms, farmers “clean” the shrimp with parasiticides that may have negative effects on humans.
Consumer Reports recommends looking for these labels when buying shrimp:
Naturland: Shrimp were raised in outdoor ponds with low stocking densities and without the use of synthetic chemicals or antibiotics. This label also looks as the sustainability of feed and the fair treatment of workers.
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Farmed Responsibly: Worker welfare is protected. This label also sets limits for wastewater pollutants. It prohibits mangrove destructure, the salinization of nearby water and soil and lethal predator control. Antibiotic fish must be labeled. Unfortunately only the most hazardous of pesticides are prohibited.
Whole Foods Market Responsibly Farmed: Shrimp sold at Whole Foods are Third Party Tested to meet thie criteria. They are not treated with antibiotics or parasiticides. Protection of local environment and native wildlife is also covered.
Melissa B. Williams is a freelance writer and editor based in Louisville, Colorado. She previously served as the Editorial Director for Healing Lifestyles & Spas for 10 years and remains a frequent contributor.
With her love of health and writing, Melissa has written for such publications as Shape, Natural Solutions, Yoga Journal, Self and Pilates Style, and has created recipes and food-oriented stories for such publications as Delicious Living and Cooking Light.
Melissa has a passion for travel, especially spa travel, and has visited spas around the world from Tasmania to Malaysia to Mexico and Tahiti. She’s always in search of indigenous therapies, ingredients, and healing modalities that will bring more balance to her life as well as her readers. And, she’s always looking for interesting people, experiences, and destinations to explore. Melissa primarily specializes in spa, travel, yoga, food and wellness writing, as well as writing about parenting topics and pregnancy. Aside from writing, Melissa is a yoga teacher and owns the Yoga Junction in Louisville. In addition to yoga and writing, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, especially time outdoors.
- A Pioneering Wisconsin Wellness Spa Brings Well-Being To Endeared Staff. - December 11, 2024
- Pevonia - April 22, 2024
- 15th Annual Earth Day Beauty Awards - April 21, 2024