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Country Alert for China: Malachite Green and Leucomalachite Green Testing of All Eel and Eel Products Imported from China

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23 January 2006

TO: ALL IMPORTERS OF FISH AND SEAFOOD

SUBJECT: COUNTRY ALERT FOR CHINA - MALACHITE GREEN AND LEUCOMALACHITE GREEN TESTING OF ALL EEL AND EEL PRODUCTS IMPORTED FROM CHINA

The following is to inform you of the country alert that will be in effect for eel and eel products from China starting January 31, 2006. Under this alert, every lot of eel or eel product, imported from China, will be detained and tested for the drug therapeutants malachite green and leucomalachite green. This measure has been implemented by CFIA in response to concerns with the high rate of non-compliance of these products for the presence of malachite green/leucomalachite green and will remain in effect until further notice.

Malachite green is a non-permitted anti-fungal agent which was commonly used in hatcheries for the treatment of external fungal and parasitic infections on fish eggs, fish, shellfish and as a general hatchery disinfectant. Leucomalachite green is a metabolite of malachite green and is persistently found in fish tissues long after malachite green may no longer be detected. Where Malachite green and leucomalachite green is detected, appropriate product action will be taken, which could include recalls.

CFIA would like to remind importers that it is important to obtain, prior to importing, evidence from suppliers that the aquaculture fish is free from all non-permitted and non-approved drug therapeutants.

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

Original signed by

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