"Detention Without Physical Examination of Fresh and Fresh Frozen Lobster/Lobster Tails from India"

From October 1, 1982, through March 31, 1983, FDA detained 14 of 32 entries of fresh/frozen lobster/lobster tails from India examined for decomposition (44% violation rate). Twelve of the detentions were solely for decomposition. Two were for both salmonella and decomposition.

FY 91 detention data shows five detentions representing five different firms in India. Review of sample collections and analyses data for FY 91 revealed that 13 had been collected with 4 violations for decomposition (31%). Also two of the four violative samples were from firms in the green list (Castlerock Seafoods and Sawant Food Poducts).

No detention data for Salmonella were noted although this should not be overlooked as a possible problem area.

Districts may detain, without physical examination, all fresh/frozen lobster tails from India, except those firms in the Green List. If a sufficient number of violative samples are noted for exempt firms, recommend to DIOP that these firms be removed from the Green List.

Audit of private laboratory results which are negative for decomposition is also recommended.

Contact the Division of Field Science at 301 796-6600 for questions or issues concerning science, science policy, sample collection, analysis, preparation, or analytical methodology.

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

Fresh or Frozen Lobster/Lobster Tails

"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