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T-3-109 - POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS) IN MARINE OILS

April 1, 2003

Samples of fish oil recently taken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada have been shown to contain variable levels of PCBs.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is concerned about the use of fish oils containing PCBs in the manufacture of livestock feeds inasmuch as the quality of feeds and feed ingredients are subject to the standards as set out in Section 19(1)(j and k) of the Feeds Regulations. Feed manufacturers are reminded of their legal responsibility to produce feeds which are safe for all classes of livestock and which do not result in a residue in animal products.

In 1981, in consultation with toxicologists from Health and Welfare Canada (now Health Canada) and Agriculture Canada (from whom feed responsibilities were since transferred to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency), an actionable level of 2.0 ppm PCBs in fish oil destined for animal feed was established. This level is identical to the U.S. maximum permitted level of 2.0 ppm for animal feed components (Code of Federal Regulations, 509.30). In other words, fish oils containing greater than 2.0 ppm PCBs shall not be used in the manufacture of livestock feeds.

Questions regarding this memorandum may be forwarded to:

Feed Section
Animal Health and Production Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9
Phone: 613-225-2342
Fax: 613-228-6614