FDA Import Alert
June 28, 2007
ACTION:
FDA has initiated an import alert for 5 species of imported farmed seafood products from China. The products are: catfish, basa, shrimp, dace, and eel
REASON:
FDA testing has shown these products to repeatedly contain unauthorized antimicrobial drugs and additives. The contaminants found in the imported Chinese farmed seafood include:
Nitrofurans, fluorquinolones, malachite green, and gentian violet
(Nitrofurans and fluorquinolones are antibiotics; malachite green and gentian violet are antifungal comounds.)
CONSUMER INFORMATION:
FDA confirmed that there is NO imminent threat to public health because of the low levels present in these products. However, some of these substances can result in antimicrobial resistance and some have been shown to be carcinogens when given to lab animals over long exposure.
This action is being taken in response to a long term health concern – not an acute situation. FDA is not asking for any products to be removed from sale. Consumers should not return seafood products from China – they are safe to eat.
IMPORT ACTION:
These products will be refused entry into the US unless it can be demonstrated that they are in compliance with all FDA requirements. To release a shipment, the importer must present 3rd party lab analysis to show a representative sample of the product does not contain any prohibited substances. Individual companies may be allowed to ship these products into the US in the future if they can meet certain requirements put in place by FDA.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
FDA increased testing of these products from China and found 15% of the samples from 18 different companies were contaminated which prompted the country-wide ban.
China is the 3rd largest exporter of farmed seafood to the US.
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