The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for imported frozen raw siluriformes fish products, specifically Striped Pangasius Maws, that were illegally imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Distributed in 12-oz. (340g) plastic packaging, they were shipped to retail stores and wholesale locations in New York, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
The products were not certified for export by the PRC government as being produced under equivalent inspection, nor were they presented to FSIS for import reinspection as required. Furthermore, a certified establishment number is not identified on packaging. These factors make the fish ineligible for import into the United States and unfit for human consumption. FSIS is working with other agencies to investigate how these products entered the country.
The problem was discovered during FSIS surveillance activities conducted at a wholesaler’s premises. By law, commercial imports of meat, poultry, and egg products have to be produced in certified establishments in eligible countries, and these products must be presented to FSIS for import reinspection prior to entering US commercial channels. Raw siluriformes fish products from specific establishments in China are eligible for importation provided the raw materials originate from certified eligible foreign establishments.
While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the fish thus far, FSIS is concerned that some packs of Striped Pangasius Maws may be in retailers’ and consumers’ freezers or refrigerators. Supermarket and grocery store operators who have stocked the products are urged not to sell them, and consumers who purchased the fish should not eat them. They should be disposed of by double bagging to reduce the possibility of animals accessing the fish.
Persons with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).
