Celebrity chefs tout seafood from untainted Gulf

[June 30, 2010]  GRAND ISLE, La. (AP) -- A group of celebrity chefs is teaming up to promote seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.

Their message to consumers: Stop worrying about it and start buying it.

Several chefs visited the Louisiana coast on Monday to get a firsthand look at the safety and availability of Louisiana seafood.

Top Chef judge and restaurateur Tom Colicchio (koh-LIHK-ee-oh) says the Gulf is a big area and safe areas are still being fished. He says he plans to serve Louisiana seafood in his restaurants.

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert J. Barnham says 70 percent of the Gulf remains open to fishing and thousands of inspections are ensuring the seafood is oil-free.

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Louisiana Seafood: http://www.louisianaseafood.com/

[Associated Press; By MARY FOSTER]

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