New Orleans - The New Orleans City Council says new federal rules would cripple Louisiana oyster harvesters.
The council approved a resolution supporting the Louisiana's congressional delegation's opposition to the proposed regulations for the oyster industry.
The FDA announced new rules to take effect in 2011 that would require all oysters served in the United States between the months of April and October to undergo sterilization known as, "post-harvesting processing." Councilman Arnie Fielkow said the new rule would hurt oyster producers and result in higher oyster prices for consumers.
The City Council said that the oyster industry has a $300 million impact and employs 3,500 people.
