CFIA Monitoring Activities for Malachite Green
Update on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Monitoring Activities for Malachite Green
The following information bulletin was issued by the CFIA on 6 July 2005. It is available on the CFIA web site, at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2005/20050706e.shtml.
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 CFIA’s routine testing on domestic farmed fish has not indicated that the use of MG is widespread in Canada’s 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 CFIA’s 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 b 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.