OTTAWA, July 6, 2005 As a result of recent detections of malachite
green (MG) and Leucomalachite Green (LMG) in some farmed fish, the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is increasing its monitoring activities for
imported and domestic aquaculture fish and fish products. The Agency is
doubling the sampling of products from registered processing establishments and
licensed importers.
The CFIAs
routine testing on domestic farmed fish has not indicated that the use of
MG is widespread in Canadas
aquaculture industry. Trace amounts of MG or LMG, a metabolite of MG have, however been detected in a small number of
instances either by British Columbia, Ontario or federal authorities in farmed
Chinook salmon and trout. The CFIA continues to work with the
provinces and DFO in these cases. The
CFIAs sampling
program has also detected MG and
LMG in imported farmed
fish.
In each case where MG or LMG was detected, the appropriate action
was taken to detain or prevent unconsumed product from entering the food
chain.
As part of the Government of Canada's evaluation of possible sources of
MG, the CFIA is also supporting Fisheries
and Oceans Canada (DFO) in testing wild fish. Testing began in June 2005 and,
to date, all wild fish sampled have tested negative for MG or LMG.
Health Canada has classified MG/LMG contamination in fish as a Class II Health
Hazard which means the probability of adverse health consequences is considered
remote. As there is no immediate risk to human health, Health Canada is not
recommending any specific course of action to consumers who may have eaten the
contaminated fish.
Aquaculture in Canada is a collaborative effort, founded on shared
responsibility among federal, provincial/territorial authorities and industry.
DFO has
the federal lead for aquaculture. Provinces and territories oversee the
licensing and operations of aquaculture sites. Health Canada sets food safety
standards and the CFIA enforces these standards for
food products.
In addition to its increased monitoring activities, Health Canada and the
CFIA have advised
that the sale of any food fish found to contain MG would be in contravention of the Food and
Drugs Act and should not be processed and /or sold for human consumption.
In addition, these fish would not be suitable for processing into fish meal or
fish oil for use as livestock feed.
An industry
communiqué has also been sent to domestic processors and importers
reminding them that all fish and fish products produced or imported into Canada
must meet Canadian standards, and that they must confirm that non-permitted
substances such as malachite green have not been used.
MG is an anti-fungal agent which,
prior to 1992, 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.
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For additional information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Media Relations: (613) 228-6682
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Media Relations: (613) 990-7537
Health Canada Media Relations: (613) 941-8189
