VANCOUVER – Following a recent investigation by fishery officers
that uncovered the unauthorized sale of fish and fish products via the internet,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) would like to remind the public of the health
and safety concerns surrounding the purchase of such products from unauthorized
and unapproved sources.Fish and shellfish that is being sold to the public must go through
the necessary health and safety inspections that are required when selling to the
public. Fish from an unapproved source, that is not properly processed or stored,
or that has not been part of a regulated inspection process may cause serious illness
or, in some cases, even death.
The Department recommends that any fish or fish products recently
purchased over the internet, from non-commercial sources in the Lower Mainland,
should not be consumed due to potentially high levels of e-coli bacteria. Anyone
with questions or concerns about consuming any such products acquired through the
internet may contact the DFO reporting line toll free at 1-800-465-4336 or 604-607-4186
(in Greater Vancouver), or contact their local health authority.
DFO would also like to remind the public that it is unlawful
to buy, sell, trade or barter, or offer to buy, sell, trade or barter any fish that
has not been caught under a licence that authorizes sale. Only fish caught under
a licence that authorizes the sale of that fish should be purchased.
Businesses or individuals that buy or sell fish are subject to
federal and provincial fisheries and health legislation. Violators of this legislation
may be subject to arrest, fines, jail, and forfeiture of anything seized.
DFO is continually working to end illegal fishing activities
and the related illegal sales of such fish and fish products. As part of this work,
the Department is asking the general public for information on activities of this
nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. Anyone
with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336.
