Removal of Malachite Green Pre-Export Testing Requirement for Import of Eel and Canned Dace Fish Products from China

To All Seafood Traders

Dear Sir/Madam

REMOVAL OF MALACHITE GREEN PRE-EXPORT TESTING REQUIREMENT FOR IMPORT OF EEL AND CANNED DACE FISH PRODUCTS FROM CHINA 

1          Following a food safety incident in 2005 involving malachite green in eel and canned dace fish products from China, a pre-export testing requirement for malachite green was put in place for all such products imported from China.

2          SFA has completed a scientific review of this requirement. Since then, China has strengthened its legislative framework, explicitly banned the use of malachite green in food-producing animals, and enhanced its inspection and enforcement regime. SFA has also not detected any presence of malachite green in eel and canned dace fish products since intensified inspection measures were introduced in 2005.

3          Therefore, SFA will be removing the malachite green pre-export testing requirement and will no longer require health certification for eel and canned dace fish products imported from China with immediate effect. Do note that malachite green continues to be banned in food-producing animals. 

4          Please do not hesitate to contact us at https://sfa.gov.sg/feedback, if you have any other queries.