FDA has added over 20 seafood companies to import alert list so far in 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has added more than 20 seafood companies to its import alert list so far in 2023.

The import alerts, which range in type from non-compliance with HACCP to a suspicion there is a high chance for botulism, allow the FDA to detain all seafood products shipped from the companies at the border without any physical examination of the product.

In addition to the import alerts, the FDA has also updated some the guidance on several seafood-related alerts

So far in 2023, the FDA has added two companies under Import Alert 16-120, “Detention Without Physical Examination of Fish/Fishery Products from Foreign Processors (Mfrs.) Not in Compliance with Seafood HACCP.” The first, added 12 January, was Nicaragua-based CR Grupo Comercial Alvacora, a producer of sea cucumber and other aquatic species. The second was U.K.-based Smoked Salmon Unlimited, which was added to the list on 13 March for its cold-smoked salmon products.

Two companies have been added under Import Alert 16-124, "Detention Without Physical Examination Of Aquaculture Seafood Products Due To Unapproved Drugs.” China-based Anhui Yuehua Green Food was added to the import alert on 17 March for use of chloramphenicol in fresh water crayfish. The second company, India-based Mangala Seafoods, was added on 25 January for use of chloramphenicol in shrimp and prawns.

Three companies have been added under Import Alert 16-74, which relates to uneviscerated or partially eviscerated fish that are either “salt-cured, dried, smoked, pickled, fermented, or brined.” Two Kenya-based companies were added on 13 March, Kevefein Agencies and Margaret Mongare. The third company, Vietnam-based Branch Duc Thanh Seafood Company, was also added on 13 March for anchovy.

Six companies have been added so far in 2023 for ... 

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration