Amendment to the Action Level for Fluoroquinolone Residues in Aquaculture Products
July 11, 2011
To: All federally registered fish processors and licensed fish importers
Subject: Amendment to the action level for fluoroquinolone residues in aquaculture products
As a part of a review of CFIA's residue monitoring data for fluoroquinolone residues in aquaculture products, Health Canada - Veterinary Drug Directorate (VDD) has recommended an adjustment to the fluoroquinolones action level from 0.6 ng/g (ppb) to >1.0 ng/g (based on the required minimum performance limit of quantification (LOQ) in laboratories testing for fluoroquinolones). The revised action level continues to provide adequate human health safety to consumers and is considered stringent enough to detect deliberate use of fluoroquinolone therapeutants in aquaculture. This action level will take effect immediately.
Processors and importers are advised there is no change in Health Canada's policy of zero tolerance for deliberate use of fluoroquinolone therapeutants (ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin and sarafloxacin) during fish production life cycle.
For further information on Canadian requirements related to therapeutant use in aquaculture, please refer to the CFIA - Appendix 1(A) - CFIA Aquaculture Therapeutant Residue Monitoring List.
Sincerely,
Terence McRae
Director
Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
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