FDA Debars Florida Man from Importing Food for Three Years
The Food and Drug Administration is debarring Richard Stowell from importing food or offering food for importation into the U.S. in connection with his conviction for mislabeling shrimp imports. Stowell, who was president of Florida-based seafood wholesaler United Seafood Imports, pleaded guilty in 2011 to one count of conspiracy to falsely label and misbrand seafood, one count of false labeling of seafood under the Lacey Act, and one count of misbranding food.
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According to FDA, between 2007 and 2009, United bought almost 1 million pounds of shrimp in boxes labeled as product of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Then, under Stowell's direction, the shrimp was sent to another company, Shifco, for repackaging and relabeling as product of Panama, Ecuador, and Honduras, FDA said. United then sold the shrimp to a company who in turn sold the shrimp to a supermarket chain.
The debarment order is effective Feb. 26.