By Bob Katzen
On January 28, 2016, the Senate 36-0, approved a bill that would eliminate some of the age-old restrictions on the processing and sale of lobster in Massachusetts. Currently, the state allows only the sale of live, cooked and canned lobster. The bill would permit the processing of unfrozen lobsters, the importation of unfrozen shell-on lobster parts and tails and the retail of previously frozen raw in-shell tails.
Supporters said the bill would allow more lobsters currently harvested and purchased here to be prepared for market in the Bay State rather than in Canada where the processing is currently done. They argued this will help the economy, create jobs and help lobstermen, processors, local restaurants and food stores.