U.S. bans imports of certain farm-raised seafood from China

U.S. bans imports of certain farm-raised seafood from China The U.S. government announced this week that it will implement broader import controls for all Chinese farm-raised catfish, basa, shrimp, dace, and eel entering the United States.
   “We’re taking this strong step because of current and continuing evidence that certain Chinese aquaculture products imported into the United States contain illegal substances that are not permitted in seafood sold in the United States,” said David Acheson, the Food and Drug Administration’s assistant commissioner for food protection, in a statement Thursday.
   During targeted sampling from October 2006 to May 2007, FDA repeatedly found that farm-raised seafood imported from China were contaminated with antimicrobial agents that are not approved for this use in the United States.
   The agency affirmed that the levels of drugs found in the seafood were “very low,” and at or near minimum levels of detection. Thus, the FDA said it’s not seeking a 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. The agency said it’s more concerned about the long-term exposure and possible development of antibiotic resistance.
   Chinese farm-raised fish exporters may be exempt if they provide the FDA with specific information. According to the FDA, 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.
   “The additional import controls placed on seafood from China will last as long as needed,” the agency said.