Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for setting food standards in Australia and New Zealand. These standards are contained in the Food Standards Code. Standard 1.4.1 - Contaminants and natural toxicants, sets a level of 1mg/kg for arsenic in molluscs. This is based on a risk assessment, which was conducted approximately 5 years ago. The risk assessment should be available from FSANZ if you require more information. Their website is www.foodstandards.gov.au.
The Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (CCFAC) might also be a source of information, given that it is the reference point for international standards.
Julie Goodchap
Food Inspection Operations - Fish Exports
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
AQIS Homepage <http://www.affa.gov.au>
AQIS AUSTRALIAN QUARANTINE & INSPECTION SERVICE
-----Original Message-----
From: Trevor Probyn [mailto:Tprobyn@mcm.wcape.gov.za]
Sent: Wednesday, 2 April 2003 9:31 PM
To: <Seafood HACCP Mailing List
Subject: Arsenic limits in shellfish
Dear List,
Our Dept of Health in South Africa is considering revising the maximum levels for metals in foodstuffs as given in our Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.
I would be keen to know what regulatory limits for Molluscan shellfish are in place elsewhere.
Our limit here for shellfish products is 3 ppm total As. This differs wildly from the FDA limit of 86 ppm for Molluscan shellfish. The SA mariculture industry has requested that we provide motivation to the Dept of Health to have the As limit increased in line with international standards or guidance levels (more realistic?).
Any information in this regard would be much appreciated.
Many thanks,
Dr Trevor A Probyn
Senior Specialist Scientist
Marine & Coastal Management
Private Bag X2
Rogge Bay 8012
South Africa.
Tel: (021) 430 7014
Fax: (021) 434 2144
Cell: 084 726 8791
tprobyn@mcm.wcape.gov.za
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