This is the second FDA visit in less than a year for Chile’s troubled salmon industry, which after years of sustained growth is expected to contract significantly this year, reports The Patagonia Times.
According to the Chilean news organisation, the inspection, being conducted by Barbara Montwill and Brett Koonse, began last week and is scheduled to conclude April 3. The FDA officials are visiting salmon farms, processing plants and industry laboratories. The inspectors are being accompanied by personnel from Chile’s National Fishing Service (SERNAPESCA).
The FDA last visited Chile in April, 2008, shortly after the New York Times published a scathing article that among other things alleged excessive use of antibiotics within the Chilean farmed salmon industry.
The Washington D.C.-based Pew Environment Group later obtained copies of the FDA’s inspection reports, which revealed that Chilean producers used three chemicals that are banned in the United States: the antibiotics oxolinic acid and flumequine; and emamectin benzoate, a pesticide used to control sea lice.
As a result the FDA temporarily put three companies on “import alert.” The companies listed were Cultivadores de Salmones Linao Ltda., owned by industry leader Marine Harvest, Empresas Aquachile and Alimentos Cuisine Solutions, reports The Patagonia Times.
Chilean Salmon Undergo Another FDA Inspection
CHILE - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is carrying out inspections this of Chilean farmed salmon facilities.
