"Detention Without Physical Examination of Shrimp"

During FY 1979, an extensive problem of Salmonella, decomposition, and filth in imported shrimp was identified. As a result, it became necessary to detain without physical examination imported shrimp from six countries (Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand).

Detention without physical examination of raw and cooked shrimp from India has subsequently been converted to Import Alert #16-35, "Detention Without Physical Examination of Fresh (Raw), Fresh Frozen, and Cooked Shrimp from India."

If samples of shrimp from other countries are found violative for Salmonella, districts should recommend firms for detention without physical examination under Import Alert #16-81, "Detention Without Physical Examination of Seafood Products Due to the Presence of Salmonella."

Districts may detain fresh (raw) and fresh frozen shrimp from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand, without physical examination for filth, decomposition and Salmonella, except those firms listed in the Green List whose shrimp should not be detained under this guidance.

To overcome the appearance of a violation for detained shrimp, any importer/owner may have the shrimp sampled and analyzed by a private laboratory and submit documentation to FDA for review.

Generally, private laboratory analytical information will consist of:

a. Evidence submitted to show that the private laboratory is capable of providing valid results. Such evidence would include resumes of the analysts' experience and training, a copy of the analytical procedures used, etc.

b. Evidence submitted to show that the importer's sample was representative of the lot (proper sample size, proper number of units sampled, etc.). A certified (signed and dated) sampling report collection report) from the importer, importer's agent, or analyzing laboratory attesting in detail to the sampling procedure used, size of sample collected, number of units sampled, etc., will suffice as evidence.

c. Detailed analytical worksheets for the appropriate analyses have been submitted by the private laboratory.

The foregoing provides the necessary information for FDA to determine the compliance of the entry, however, any compliance information may be submitted for detained products and such information will be reviewed.

The Laboratory Procedures Manual, Chapter 21, "Guidance on the Review of Analytical Data Generated by Private Laboratories" provides further details to ensure the scientific credibility of data submitted to the Agency.

For any issues and/or questions regarding science, science policy, sample collection, analysis, preparation, analytical methodology or confirmation tests, districts should contact the Division of Field Science at 301 796-6600.

All requests for removal from detention without physical examination should be address to DIOP 301-796-0356.

Fresh/frozen/raw shrimp

"The article is subject to refusal of admission, pursuant to Section 801(a)(3), in that it appears to contain filth (rodent, cat, insect, other animal) or to be decomposed [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(3)]."

OASIS charge code - FILTHY

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to contain Salmonella, a poisonous or deleterious substance, which may render it injurious to health [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(1)]."

OASIS charge code - SALMONELLA