Landrieu Welcomes Court Ruling in Favor of Turtle Farmers

Press Release

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today welcomed Louisiana's Western District court's ruling that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) failed to adequately address the turtle farmer's petition against a ban on the sale of baby turtles in the United States. The court's ruling sent the matter back to the FDA for additional consideration.

"The ban on domestic baby turtle sales was implemented over 30 years ago," said Sen. Landrieu. "Since then, technological advancements have made it possible to safely and easily treat pet baby turtles for salmonella. It is time for the FDA to begin working with the industry to re-open the market here in the United States and create rules for the responsible sale of baby turtles."

In 1975, the FDA banned turtle farmers from selling turtle eggs and turtles smaller than four inches in length in the United States. The ban was initially intended to protect potential pet owners from salmonella.

Snakes, iguanas, geckos, frogs and other amphibians and reptiles also have the potential to carry salmonella, but the FDA does not currently ban the domestic sale of these animals, nor does the FDA require these animals to be treated for salmonella before purchase.

In 2007, Sen. Landrieu co-sponsored legislation to permit the domestic sale of baby turtles in the United States. That same year, she also authored an amendment included in the FDA Revitalization Act that sought to lift the ban. Both pieces of legislation would require all turtles sold to be treated for salmonella, providing for the safe sale of turtles as pets.

There are approximately 80 turtle farmers in Louisiana, which make up a $9.4 million industry.

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