RE: Arsenic limits in shellfish

From: E. Jerry Oliveras, Laboratory Director & President (jerry@anresco.com)
Date: Thu Apr 03 2003 - 20:24:15 PST

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    http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/guid-sf.html

    this has the FDA guidance documents for heavy metals in seafood including As
    these are quite good with much detail and extensive documentation
    regards
    Jerry Oliveras
    ANRESCO

    -----Original Message-----
    From: julie.goodchap@aqis.gov.au [mailto:julie.goodchap@aqis.gov.au]
    Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 2:20 PM
    To: seafood@ucdavis.edu
    Subject: RE: Arsenic limits in shellfish

    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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