CFIA Monitoring of Stilbenes in Aquacultured Finfish
February 12, 2013
To: All licensed fish importers and federally registered fish processors
Subject: CFIA Monitoring of Stilbenes in Aquacultured Finfish
The purpose of this notice is to advise that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be adding stilbenes to its monitoring program for aquacultured finfish. This is part of our ongoing aim to maintain effective monitoring for therapeutant use in aquaculture.
As of March 4, 2013, the CFIA will begin testing aquacultured finfish for stilbenes (diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol, and hexestrol), in addition to the therapeutants it currently tests. According to the Food and Drug Regulations, stilbenes are banned for sale and use in animals intended for consumption as food. The CFIA will take appropriate regulatory action on non-compliant products.
Importers and domestic processors are reminded of their legal responsibility to ensure that the aquacultured fish and fish products they import or process meet Canadian regulatory requirements. Importers and processors are encouraged to communicate with their suppliers regarding therapeutant use in aquaculture products they market and maintain updated product specifications described in buyer-seller agreements and/or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans. Quality Management Program (QMP) Importers and processors should ensure that their QMP plan is updated appropriately to include the monitoring of this additional therapeutant.
For further information on Canadian requirements related to therapeutant use in aquaculture, please refer to the Fish Products Standards and Methods Manual - CFIA - Appendix 1.
If you have any further questions, please contact your local CFIA office.
Sincerely,
Terence McRae
Director, Fish, Seafood and Production Division
Agrifood, Meat and Seafood Safety Directorate
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
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