Many Floridians aren't eating the federally recommended intake of seafood, according to a new survey's findings.
The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Florida Sea Grant funded a study of 717 Floridians in 2013; results were published last month in the UF/IFAS Electronic Data Information System electronic library.
The findings?
•About 40 percent of Floridians do not eat enough seafood; the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends eating at least two weekly servings of seafood
•43 percent of Floridians eat more seafood than they had five to 10 years ago; 21 percent eat less
•People who don't eat the federal recommendation think seafood costs more, and they’re concerned about what they perceive to be environmental risks of wild seafood harvesting and aquaculture production
UF/IFAS staffers said they are concerned about survey results showing Florida consumers’ don’t know much about seafood, especially imported seafood's safety.
Floridians may be decreasing their seafood consumption due to these factors, according to Florida Sea Grant Agent Bryan Fluech.
Floridians want to support anglers and the local economy, and they like their seafood caught or harvested in the Sunshine State, he said.But many are not sure they’d know Florida seafood if they saw it, and they’re hesitant to pay the higher cost of local seafood.
Further, most consumers purchase their seafood from restaurants and grocery stores, but they are not confident that they are getting accurate information from these sources, according to the study.
UF/IFAS staffers said they can help educate consumers and the seafood industry.
“Specific educational programs could focus on developing a ‘train-the-trainer’ model for restaurant and retail staff,” Fluech said. “Such a program would help these workers better address customer questions and needs, while promoting Florida seafood.
“There are plenty of reputable resources they can use to learn about local seafood and where to buy it."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Survey: Floridians like, but don't eat enough, seafood