FSIS Proposes Adding China, Thailand, Vietnam to List of Countries Allowed to Send Catfish to US

The Food Safety and Inspection Service proposed listing Thailand, China and Vietnam as eligible to export Siluriformes fish and fish products (i.e., catfish) to the U.S., the agency said in three notices. The proposals follow FSIS reviews of each country's laws and inspection systems that determined equivalent safety to the U.S. meat inspections, it said. "Only raw Siluriformes fish and fish products produced in certified" establishments in each country are eligible for export to the U.S., it said. The proposals are part of a transition of regulatory responsibilities for catfish from the Food and Drug Administration (see 1706300029). Comments are due Oct. 19.