FDA INCREASES SAMPLING OF IMPORTED SHRIMP AND CRAYFISH (CRAWFISH)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it will be increasing the sampling of imported shrimp and crayfish (also known as crawfish) for the presence of chloramphenicol. FDA is taking this action because low levels of chloramphenicol have been detected by some states and other countries in imported shrimp and crayfish.

Chloramphenicol is a potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic drug used only at therapeutic doses for treatment of serious infections in humans. Due to the unpredictable effects of dose on different patient populations, it has not been possible to identify a safe level of human exposure to chloramphenicol. Therefore, Federal regulations prohibit its use in food producing animals and animal-feed products.

"The FDA is concerned about any detection of chloramphenicol in shrimp and crayfish, " said Dr. Lester M. Crawford, FDA Deputy Commissioner. "The Agency will take whatever action is necessary to protect the public health."

Until recently the sensitivity of the methodology to detect chloramphenicol in shrimp could find the drug down to the 5 parts per billion (ppb) level. Recently Canada and the European Union (EU) have refined their methods to detect even lower levels and have taken action on food products from China and Vietnam found to be contaminated by chloramphenicol. The FDA has modified its methodology to confirm chloramphenicol levels in shrimp and crayfish to 1ppb and is further modifying the methods to detect 0.3 ppb, which will place the U.S. methodology in line with Canada and the EU.

The new methodology for testing for chloramphenicol to the level of 1 ppb will be used to test imported shrimp and crayfish that are suspected to contain chloramphenicol. FDA will detain and refuse entry to any product it identifies and confirms as containing chloramphenicol.

On June 5-6 2002, a senior delegation of Chinese officials met with FDA to discuss the issue of chloramphenicol residues in shrimp and crayfish. The delegation informed FDA that on March 5, 2002, China banned the use of chloramphenicol in animals and animal feeds. They also informed FDA that they are initiating testing of shrimp, crayfish, and other animal derived foods intended for export to ensure the absence of chloramphenicol and other drug residues. FDA and China exchanged information on testing methodologies. FDA informed the Chinese officials that the Agency would take enforcement action against violative product.

The FDA continues to work with other governments and state agencies to insure the safety of the U. S. food supply.

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