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Honey From China
Notice to Importers/Associations/Manufacturers

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OTTAWA, May 13, 2002  - Recent investigations carried out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have determined that honey from China and all blends of honey containing honey of Chinese origin are contaminated with chloramphenicol, an antibiotic which is banned from use in food-producing animals in Canada.

Health Canada completed a Health Risk Assessment and determined that the consumption of the honey contaminated with chloramphenicol may pose human health risks, associated in particular with the development of idiosyncratic aplastic anaemia, a serious and life-threatening blood disorder.

In response to Health Canada’s Health Risk Assessment, the CFIA has issued an advisory to consumers warning them not to consume honey from China and is also working with importers and manufacturers to recall honey from China and blends of honey containing honey of Chinese origin that are currently in the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recalls.

In light of this situation, the CFIA is implementing the following additional measures to ensure the safety of consumers:

Manufacturers

While the current recall is being conducted, manufacturers are advised to discontinue the use of honey from China and to contact their suppliers regarding disposal of this product. If there is some question as to whether the product in their possession contains honey from China, manufacturers are advised to contact their suppliers and verify the source. Manufacturers are reminded that it is their responsibility under the Food and Drugs Act to ensure that all products offered for sale in Canada are in compliance with legislative requirements, including freedom from adulteration.

Importers of manufactured food products containing honey are advised to check with their suppliers to ensure honey from China is not used in the production of their products.

Importers with Honey From China Presently Under Detention In Canada

Given the fact that the honey currently under detention has proven to be contaminated, the CFIA is recommending that importers make the necessary arrangements to have all honey from China that is currently under detention removed from Canada.

Removal of the Contaminated Honey from Canada

The removal from the marketplace of honey from China will be overseen by CFIA inspection staff. This honey must be returned to China with full knowledge of the government of China. Alternative destinations will be considered only if the importer is able to prove to the CFIA that the country has a tolerance for chloramphenicol in food products under their legislation. The CFIA will then only consider allowing the re-export of this contaminated honey to other countries when it can confirm with the competent authority of that country that it is prepared to accept the shipment.

Disposal of Liquid or Creamed Honey

By way of consultation with Environment Canada and provincial environment departments, the CFIA is compiling a list of provincial waste contacts that will be able to advise on preferred disposal methods in their respective provinces. This list will be made available to interested parties upon request to CFIA Area Offices. Industry will assume any expense incurred for disposal.

Future Importations of Honey

China

Until the authorities in China have acceptable controls and a certification program in place, the CFIA will be detaining all shipments of honey from China. Importers will be responsible for having all product tested at their expense at a laboratory recognized by the CFIA to carry out the required testing. The honey must be proven to be free of all drug residues, including chloramphenicol, and other adulterants such as foreign sugars before it can be released. Sampling of the honey will be carried out by a CFIA inspector. One positive result from analysis of Chinese product will result in rejection of the whole shipment.

Pacific Rim (e.g. Vietnam and Thailand)

Based on the CFIA’s current knowledge, Vietnam and Thailand are current sources of imported honey among Pacific Rim countries. Shipments of honey from these countries will be subjected to the same hold and test procedure as honey from China. Analysis of the honey will be carried out by CFIA laboratories at the CFIA’s expense. Should importation from any other Pacific Rim countries occur, they will be subject to the same procedures.

All Other Countries (e.g. Brazil, Argentina, Greece, New Zealand, India, United States)

Importers should be prepared to provide evidence on request that shipments do not contain honey of Chinese origin. Honey from these countries will be subjected to the CFIA’s regular monitoring programs which will include a test for chloramphenicol. Should results indicate any problems with residues or adulteration, the CFIA will intensify their inspection and sampling activities on products from these countries. All products found to be in violation will be returned to the country of origin.

Private Laboratories

The CFIA’s methodology for the testing of chloramphenicol has been provided to several private laboratories. Presently, Maxxam Analytics Inc. is able to carry out testing of honey for chloramphenicol residues in accordance with CFIA standards. The names of other qualified laboratories will be released as they become available.

The CFIA looks forward to your cooperation in addressing this important health and safety matter. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact your nearest CFIA office or the CFIA contacts listed below.

Please contact Health Canada with any specific human health-related questions. Questions and Answers have been posted on the Health Canada web site and can be accessed at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/vetdrugs-medsvet/chloramphenicol_e.html

Further information on chloramphenicol in honey of Chinese origin can be obtained on the CFIA Web site at www,inspection.gc.ca.

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For further information, industry may contact: