Date of issue: 17 November 2022
Date of effect: Immediate
Attention
Industries - Seafood Export Consultative Committee, Seafood Trade Advisory Group
Export establishments
Licensed exporters
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Central and Regional offices
Purpose
To advise seafood exporters of the requirements of the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) with respect to ethoxyquin residues in aquaculture fish and fish products.
Summary of key points
- In light of recent media reports claiming that ethoxyquin residues were detected in Atlantic salmon (The Australian, Guardian), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) would like raise awareness of the EU and UK import requirements with respect to residues of ethoxyquin in aquaculture fish and fish products.
- Ethoxyquin is permitted for use as a feed additive in Australia. Fish and fish products sold in Australia must not exceed the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 1 mg/kg.
- The EU withdrew the authorisation for the use of this chemical as its re-evaluation didn’t meet contemporary data standards. As a result, there is no longer a MRL for fish and fish products in the EU and UK. The department understands that this means that the MRL is set at the limit of detection. Fish and fish products are at risk of being rejected by EU and UK if ethoxyquin is detected.
- Under Australian export legislation, fish and fish products exported from Australia must meet importing country requirements. When exporting aquaculture fish and fish products to the EU or UK, export establishments must ensure that products do not contain ethoxyquin residues.
Background
Ethoxyquin is a chemical compound that has antioxidant properties. It prevents the rancidity of fats and delays the degradation of fat-soluble vitamins.
Ethoxyquin is also used during transportation of certain high-fat animal feed ingredients to protect the product against self-heating to manage the risk of spontaneous combustion during shipping. It is required by international shipping regulations and insurance policies.
Whilst the authorisation of this chemical has been withdrawn in the EU and UK, it is still permitted for use in other countries including Australia, China, Japan, Republic of Korea and the USA.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.
Further information
Contact ExportStandards@agriculture.gov.au if you have any queries.