Seafood

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This article focuses on frozen and fresh tuna used in sushi and sashimi applications and, as such, describes processing as it pertains to Big Eye, Yellowfin, and Bluefin tuna. 

SeaTrace was developed to help seafood businesses capture and manage traceability information from harvest through export. 

A new European Commission report identified inconsistencies in how EU Member States conduct official controls for histamine (scombrotoxin) in fishery products, highlighting gaps in inspection procedures, staff training, and harmonization of testing methods.

Scombroid toxin and ciguatoxin caused the greatest number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and death. Characterizing marine toxin outbreaks can help guide prevention efforts.

The EU has implemented increased checks on certain food imports at the border, and has also introduced new certificate requirements for shipments of oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and other aquaculture products from the U.S. due to veterinary drug use restrictions.

Notable pathogen–food commodity pairings emerged, including Clostridium botulinum and Alaskan traditional fermented meats and fish. The analysis was conducted by FDA and CDC researchers. 

Highlighting contaminated seafood as a particular concern, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act answers FDA’s request for the authority to destroy food imports that do not pass safety inspections at the border, preventing importers from “port shopping” their unsafe products.

Breading mixtures may be reused for different foods in foodservice operations. An FDA-supported study found that both shrimp and cod allergens accumulate in reused breading and transfer to subsequent foods, although the cod cross-contact risk was much greater.

One of the primary roles of the new office will be coordinating across USDA agencies to ensure fishermen are integrated into USDA programs.

In the fight against food insecurity, seafood is an essential source of protein. Growing the responsibly produced seafood supply depends on every part of the value chain. Industry must ensure that operational models meet evolving market expectations, and then properly leverage them to drive profitability and success.