Elizabeth Shephard, Family and Consumer Science Agent
Buying local Florida seafood can be a great and rewarding experience as long as you follow some simple tips.
Where to Buy Seafood
Florida seafood can be found in a variety of places:
- Supermarkets
- Fish Markets
- Specialty Markets
- Roadside Vendors
- Privately owned restaurants
To ensure you are buying seafood from Florida always look for the “Fresh from Florida” seafood logo. Supermarkets have seafood basics but for specific items fish markets and specialty markets may have a greater selection.
There is a strict monitoring process to ensure that seafood is safe, however it is important to make sure to purchase from a reputable supplier. A reputable supplier is someone that has a license to sell seafood and has passed regulations. If you are unsure ask to see their license to sell. Roadside vendors must also have a mobile vendor license from the Department of Health.
Tips for Buying Seafood
What you can do to get great seafood:
- Make seafood your last purchase
- Buy from reputable dealers
- Look for “Fresh from Florida” logo
- Be flexible
- Ask questions
Make seafood your last purchase because seafood needs to stay cold and is highly perishable. Make sure that seafood juice is not dripping on other foods by using plastic bags to ensure food safety practices are followed.
Buy from reputable dealers, by checking that the establishment you’re purchasing from is licensed and following food safety regulations.
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