Information for New Zealand Consumers: Imports of Land-based Farmed Seafood from China

Recent issues reported in the media have raised concerns about the safety of land-based farmed seafood imported from China. New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) would like to provide the following advice for consumers:

1. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced broader import controls of all land-based farmed catfish, basa, shrimp, dace and eel from China. FDA will start to detain these products at the border until the shipments are proven to be free of residues from drugs that are not approved in the United States for use in farm-raised aquatic animals.

2. This action by FDA is in response to US technical compliance concerns. FDA has stated that the residues found are "very low, most often at or near the minimum level of detection". FDA has stated that: "Based on the sum of all current information, FDA believes that the risk to US consumers due to these drugs in seafood products from China is minimal and do not represent an immediate risk to public health. FDA's action is precautionary."

3. US FDA is not seeking to recall product already in the US or advise consumers to return or destroy product they may have in their homes.

4. Other countries, including Australia, Canada and the European Union, are not planning any similar action.

5. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority is monitoring the situation closely and sharing information with other food safety agencies.

6. NZFSA's previous testing of imported shrimps and prawns has not identified any residues of concern.

7. NZFSA had planned a survey of imported seafood later in 2007 as part of our regular Food Residue Surveillance Programme, however, in light of the current New Zealand consumer concerns we are proposing to bring forward testing of imported land-based farmed seafood.

8. We will publish the results of this testing as soon as it is available and, based on the results, provide further advice to New Zealand consumers.

Further information will be available from our website: www.nzfsa.govt.nz/

Q&As: Land-based farmed seafood

Q: What is the issue?

A: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has detected very low levels of chemicals not registered for use in aquaculture in the United States and that, under American law, are not allowed in imported food. Five species (shrimp, catfish, dace, eel and basa) of farmed Chinese seafood are affected. See http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01660.html for more information.

Q: Are these seafoods imported into New Zealand?

A: Small quantities are imported into New Zealand from China.

Q: What chemicals were detected and are they safe?

A: The FDA found minute traces of the antimicrobials (used to prevent to growth of bacteria or fungus) nitrofuran, malachite green, gentian violet and fluoroquinolone. While these substances are not permitted for use in aquaculture in the United States, the FDA has said (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/seadwpe.html) that: "Based on the sum of all current information, FDA believes that risk to U.S. consumers due to these drugs in seafood products from China is minimal, and do not represent an immediate risk to public health. FDA's action is precautionary."

It also notes: "The levels of the drug residues that have been found in seafood are very low, most often at or near the minimum level of detection. FDA is not seeking recall of products already in U.S. commerce and is not advising consumers to destroy or return imported farm-raised seafood they may already have in their homes. FDA is concerned about long term exposure as well as the possible development of antibiotic resistance."

Q: Have these seafoods been tested in New Zealand?

A: Yes. NZFSA tested imported prawns in 2004/05 and found no issues of health significance with them. However, given the recent concern raised over these products, NZFSA will bring forward a planned study of imported seafoods, and is working with testing laboratories to get results as soon as possible.

Q: Why is the US detaining these products and New Zealand not?

A: NZFSA is not aware of any other countries detaining these products.

The FDA action includes conditions under which an exporter can be exempted from FDA's detention action by providing specified information to the agency. This information must demonstrate the exporter has implemented steps to ensure its products do not contain these substances and that preventive controls are in place.

FDA may allow the entry into the United States and subsequent distribution into the marketplace of individual shipments of the Chinese farm-raised seafood products if the company provides documentation to confirm the products are free of residues of these drugs.

NZFSA (and many of the world's other food safety agencies, including the FDA) accept that these products do not pose a threat to human health. There is also currently no evidence that products imported into New Zealand are affected.

In New Zealand, the Food Act requires that all imported foods must meet the same standards as locally-produced food, and there are penalties for importers who do not comply with this legislation.

Q: What action is NZFSA taking?

A: NZFSA has reminded importers of their food safety obligations under the Food Act. In addition, NZFSA has begun an information-gathering investigation into this issue, and is working with other food safety agencies, particularly Australia, Canada and the US to share information.

NZFSA has also brought forward a planned survey of imported seafood to help address any consumer concerns. New Zealand's approach and actions are in line with those of other food safety agencies, including Australia, Canada and the EU.

ENDS

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