Official US 'Shellfish' Definition Changed, Removes 'Having a Shell'
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has changed the official definition of "shellfish" by removing the requirement that they must have an external shell. This change will include animals like squid, octopus, and cuttlefish in the shellfish category starting July 23, 2026, to match modern science and reduce confusion in trade and regulation.Key Facts
- Previously, shellfish were defined as mollusks with an external shell.
- The new definition includes aquatic invertebrates in the mollusk group, such as squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, even if they lack an external shell.
- Crustaceans like lobster, shrimp, and crab remain included as shellfish.
- The change aims to fix inconsistent treatment of certain seafood at U.S. ports and improve wildlife trade enforcement.
- The new rule was published on June 23, 2024, and takes effect on July 23, 2026.
- Small businesses involved in squid trade have faced extra fees and burdens due to unclear definitions.
- Industry groups and federal offices have supported reclassifying squid to avoid duplicative regulations.
- The change aligns with how shellfish allergies are medically understood, as cephalopods are already considered allergenic shellfish.
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