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New Random Inspection Frequency for Aquaculture Finfish from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand for Malachite Green (MG) and Leucomalachite Green (LMG) Testing

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24 February 2006

TO: ALL IMPORTERS OF FISH AND SEAFOOD PRODUCTS

SUBJECT: NEW RANDOM INSPECTION FREQUENCY FOR AQUACULTURE FINFISH FROM HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, MALAYSIA, MYANMAR, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, AND THAILAND FOR MALACHITE GREEN (MG) AND LEUCOMALACHITE GREEN (LMG) TESTING

The purpose of this Communique is to notify you that there has been a change to the frequency of random inspections for malachite green (MG) and leucomalachite green (LMG) for shipments of aquaculture finfish originating from certain Asian locations.

In an attempt to gather further data on the compliance of imported aquaculture finfish products from Asian locations, the random frequency of inspection has been re-evaluated. As a result of our assessment, there has been an increase in the random inspection frequency for MG and LMG testing to 20% for all imported shipments of aquaculture finfish from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

MG 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. LMG is a metabolite of MG and is persistently found in fish tissues long after MG may no longer be detected. Where MG and/or LMG is detected, appropriate product action will be taken, which could include recalls.

It is important that importers try to obtain, prior to importing, evidence from suppliers that the aquaculture fish is free from all non-permitted and non-approved drug therapeutants.

Also, CFIA would like to remind importers that they must provide a complete description of each type of fish by including its scientific name, and identify the fish as being wild caught or aquaculture, as per the Communique of April 22, 2005. This Communique can be found at the following website link:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/fispoi/commun/20050422e.shtml

As well, importers must ensure that each fish product is properly described in their notifications as well as on the product labelling, by using the "List of Acceptable Common Names for Fish and Seafood". This list can be found at the following website link:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/fispoi/fishlist/canadahomee.shtml

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