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Non-permitted (banned, unapproved) therapeutants

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6 June 2005

TO: DOMESTIC PROCESSORS AND IMPORTERS OF FISH AND FISH PRODUCTS

SUBJECT: NON-PERMITTED (BANNED, UNAPPROVED) THERAPEUTANTS

The purpose of this communiqué is to remind processors and importers of their responsibilities in the production of safe and quality fish and fish products.

As part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's regulatory activities, we monitor both domestically produced and imported aquaculture fish and fish products for approved and non-permitted therapeutants.

Recently, the CFIA detected various non-permitted therapeutants, particularly malachite green, in samples of some imported and domestic products.

Domestic processors and importers are reminded that all fish and fish products produced or imported into Canada must meet Canadian standards, paying particular attention to confirming that non-permitted substances such as malachite green have not been applied. Malachite green and its metabolite leucomalachite green remain in fish tissues and can be detected long after their use.

Domestic processors must verify as part of their QMP that the incoming product meets the regulatory requirements under the Fish Inspection Act and Food and Drugs Act, and does not contain non-permitted substances.

For importers, necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the products they bring into Canada meet the Canadian requirements and do not contain non-permitted, unapproved therapeutants, such as malachite green, or other banned substances such as chloramphenicol or nitrofurans.

The agency will continue to sample and test both domestically produced and imported fish and seafood products for non-permitted substances. Appropriate regulatory action will be taken on any products which are found to contain non-permitted substances.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as the lead federal department for aquaculture, are also reminding Canadian fish hatcheries of the substances which are approved by Health Canada for fish disinfection. (See attached notice for your information)

If you have further questions, please contact your local CFIA office or Mr. Alf Bungay, National Manager, Inspection Systems, Fish Seafood and Production Division at (613) 221-7026.

Sincerely,

Original signed June 6, 2005

Mary Ann Green
Director
Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Animal Products Directorate
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

CHEMICALS APPROVED FOR USE IN CANADIAN FISH HATCHERY AND AQUACULTURE FACILITIES

Veterinary Chemicals for use in Fish Egg Disinfection in Canadian Fish Hatchery and Aquaculture Facilities - Fisheries and Oceans Canada