U.S. Catfish Farmers work hard to make sure you get the freshest, healthiest fish available. That commitment has led to over 10,000 jobs and a $4 billion boost to the economies of the Southeast. So when you order Catfish at your local restaurant, you may assume that they’re serving U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. But you might not be getting Catfish at all.
Imported imposter fish including Basa and Swai are commonly sold as “Catfish.” This isn’t just disappointing, it could pose a real threat to your health. In fact, two-thirds of all “Catfish” consumed in the U.S. is imported – and most of those millions of pounds come from countries where water contamination and unsanitary farming practices are common. Only a small percentage of imported fish is inspected as it enters the U.S., which makes it all too easy to mistakenly wind up on menus and grocery shelves.
U.S. Catfish farmers adhere to the highest standards of quality for water purity and food safety.
U.S. Catfish is highly regulated and inspected by agencies including the USDA, EPA and the Department of Commerce.
U.S. Catfish is raised in pure freshwater ponds and fed a strict diet of grain, ensuring good health and consistent flavor.
U.S. Catfish farms are highly-controlled environments, not exposed to pollution from outside sources.
When you buy U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, you can be sure you are getting the freshest, healthiest fish available. U.S Catfish Farmers hold themselves to the highest standards of quality and water purity. They are also highly-regulated and regularly inspected by agencies including the USDA, EPA and Department of Commerce.
The U.S. Farm-Raised Seal also guarantees that you’re getting that perfectly mild flavor every time. U.S. Catfish are fed a strict diet of healthy grains and taste-tested regularly to ensure consistent flavor. That also makes U.S. Catfish a lean protein, with a mild flavor perfectly suited for recipes from salads to sandwiches. Broiled, blackened, grilled, or fried – U.S. Catfish is always sure to please. Always look for the U.S. Farm-Raised Seal at restaurants and grocery stores.
Most imported “catfish” comes from China and Vietnam, where farming practices are unsanitary and contamination is common.
Fish ponds in these countries have been found to be polluted with industrial waste, pesticides and raw sewage.
Of all food imports, seafood products have the most violations for pathogens, including salmonella and listeria.
Imported catfish often contains contaminants like nitrofuran, malachite green, and fluoroquinolone, which are banned in the U.S. due to cancer risks.