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For Your Information F10/09: Thailand – Food Exports

New Zealand Food Safety Authority
Date: 23 February 2009
From: Kathy Lloyd, Programme Manager (Market Access)

1 Thai Inspectors Test for Formaldehyde in Frozen Squid

1.1 NZFSA advises exporters of the commercial risks involved in proceeding with exports of food and animal products that may be targeted by Thailand border authorities for testing for formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde.

1.2 Thailand food regulations stipulate that formaldehyde, formaldehyde solution and paraformaldehyde are forbidden for use in food. NZFSA is aware Thai border officials have used this and other regulations as grounds for rejecting a consignment of frozen squid at the border. This action has been defended by Thailand’s National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards.

1.3 Formaldehyde produced from the normal enzymatic decomposition of trimethylamine-oxide may be found in processed stored seafood. Endogenous formaldehyde levels of up to 20 ppm have been recorded in squid muscle, and higher levels are common in other fish species.

1.4 There are no Codex guidelines for testing regimes or limits for formaldehyde in squid, although some countries have proposed acceptable levels for other types of food. Codex guidelines for contaminant monitoring in foods do not recommend regulatory testing for formaldehyde in squid, unless there are particular indications to require that to be done.

1.5 To date, testing in Thailand appears to have been targeted at frozen squid; however NZFSA does not have information about testing of other seafood or other types of food products.

1.6 NZFSA will continue to engage with Thailand authorities on the significance of endogenous formaldehyde findings in frozen squid, however exporters are advised that resolution of this issue may not occur in the current processing season, due to factors outside of our control. In the mean time, exporters should consider commercial risks and seek advice from importers.

Disclaimer: This ‘For Your Information’ is intended for use as a guideline only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. NZFSA endeavours to keep this information current and accurate. However, it may be subject to change without notice. NZFSA will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on this information.