DIOXIN IN IMPORTED FISH
31 January 2003
Questions were raised in late December 2002 about the impact on consumers of eating fish products from the Baltic countries. There were some suggestions that some such products may contain dioxins.
FSANZ has now determined that fish imports from the Baltic Sea to Australia only originate from Sweden and Latvia. In addition, information from Swedish authorities indicates that fish from the Baltic are monitored for dioxins and are not permitted to be exported to other countries if the maximum level for dioxins, set down by the Council of the European Communities, is exceeded. Latvian authorities have also informed FSANZ that dioxins have not been found in fish as a result of monitoring activities.
Levels of exposure to dioxins are generally accepted to be significantly lower in Australia than in other parts of the world. Nevertheless, Australia is currently implementing a National Dioxins Program to reduce dioxins in the environment and hence in the food supply.
FSANZ is continuing to monitor emerging data on dioxins in our food supply and is maintaining close contact with other countries’ food regulatory authorities on this issue.
FSANZ also participates in the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives which is the senior scientific advisory body dealing with food contaminants, including dioxins.
We consider that there is no reason at this stage to avoid regular consumption of fish and fish products that are a valuable source of key nutrients including those that are important to heart health.
31 January 2003