Seafood processing inspections delayed
Food safety inspections at Maine’s seafood processing plants have been delayed because of the federal government shutdown and state officials say more severe problems could be in store for the annual inspection program if the shutdown continues.
The Portland Press Herald reported the federal Food and Drug Administration schedules inspections at eight seafood processing plants in the state each quarter. The inspections for the fourth quarter of this year, starting Oct. 1, have been on hold since the shutdown began. Ron Dyer, director of quality assurance and regulations at the Maine Department of Agriculture, said the delays have, so far, had a “minimal impact” on the pending inspections set to take place this quarter.
Should the shutdown continue, Dyer said it’s unclear whether the state will be able to temporarily cover the costs of those inspections.
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