"Detention Without Physical Examination of Canned Shrimp from Thailand for Decomposition"

Revision of this Import Alert dated 5/20/2010 updates the guidance section to indicate DWPE does not apply to canned shrimp products manufactured from dried shrimps/prawns. Changes are bracketed by asterisks (***)

This import alert issued in 1981 based on an 85% detention rate due to decomposition. Review of the detention data for FY91-92 indicated decomposition in canned shrimp continues to be a problem. Of 21 detentions made in FY91, 6 resulted in refusals (29%) due to decomposition. Of 8 detentions made in FY92, 4 (50%) resulted in refusals due to decomposition.

Districts may detain, without physical examination all canned shrimp from Thailand except shipments from the packers identified on the attachment to this import alert.

*** Detention without physical examination is not intended to apply to shrimp products manufactured from dried shrimp/prawns. Such products are generally in the form of a sauce or paste; label examination and/or physical examination may be necessary to verify claims that a particular product was manufactured from dried shrimp/prawns. For product which appears to be manufactured from dried shrimp/prawns, but does not contain a statement of identity indicating ¿dried¿ shrimp/prawn, please contact Division of Enforcement/Labeling Compliance Team at (301) 436-1750. ***

*** For questions or issues concerning science, science policy, analysis, preparation, or analytical methodology, 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.

Canned Shrimp

"The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to consist in whole or in part of a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for food in that it appears to be decomposed [Adulteration, Section 402(a)(3)]."

OASIS charge code - FILTHY