US shrimp group urges ban on Chinese seafood processor over forced labour claims
US Shrimpers Demand Action Against Chinese Seafood Company
The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), representing US shrimpers, is urging the US government to act against Rongcheng Sanyue Foodstuff Co., a Chinese seafood processor. The SSA has filed a petition with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to add the company to the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act Entity List. This list targets companies linked to forced labor in China's Xinjiang region.
Previously, in June, the DHS added Shandong Meijia Group to the list at the SSA's request. The SSA claims Rongcheng Sanyue has refused US officials' inspections of its facilities in China, yet continues to export Argentine red shrimp to the US. Concerns have been raised about the lack of proper documentation for these exports, leaving US consumers unaware of the shrimp's processing origins.
The SSA highlights that some shipments have passed through Shandong, a region associated with forced labor. The US government is prioritizing enforcement in the seafood industry due to forced labor risks involving Uyghur Muslims and other persecuted groups. Investigations, including one by the Outlaw Ocean Project, have documented the use of Uyghur workers in Chinese seafood plants.
The SSA's petition underscores its commitment to ensuring that seafood products sold in the US are not produced under exploitative conditions. The group is advocating for stricter oversight of companies suspected of forced labor practices.
Doubts Revealed
Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA)
The Southern Shrimp Alliance is a group in the United States that represents people who catch and sell shrimp. They work to protect the interests of shrimpers and ensure fair practices in the shrimp industry.
Rongcheng Sanyue Foodstuff Co.
Rongcheng Sanyue Foodstuff Co. is a company in China that processes seafood, including shrimp. They are being accused of using forced labor, which means making people work against their will.
Forced Labor
Forced labor is when people are made to work without their consent, often under threat or punishment. It is considered a violation of human rights.
Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act
The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act is a law in the United States that aims to stop products made with forced labor, especially from the Uyghur region in China, from being sold in the US.
US Department of Homeland Security
The US Department of Homeland Security is a part of the US government that works to protect the country from threats, including ensuring that goods entering the US are made fairly and safely.
Entity List
The Entity List is a list of companies or organizations that the US government has concerns about, often due to unfair practices like forced labor. Being on this list can restrict a company's ability to do business with the US.
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