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Major developments in the field of fish safety and quality have had a significant impact on international trade during the last few decades. Technological developments in fish handling and processing coupled with increasing consumer food safety and quality awareness have resulted in the adoption of HACCP-based systems and scientifically-based risk assessment methodologies. This is reflected in international regulatory framework of the SPS and TBT Agreements of the WTO and the normative work of CODEX Alimentarius. Based on available food borne illness reports, the decrease in food borne diseases has coincided with the implementation of HACCP-based food safety assurance measures. However, fish safety and quality issues related to indigenous microorganisms, chemical or veterinary drugs are increasingly of concern. This reflects the need for a food chain approach in the analysis of hazards and risks to develop integrated risk management strategies. However, a food chain approach also requires substantial multidisciplinary scientific information given the need of science-based risk analysis. This paper discusses these issues in terms of their practical implications and limitations. FAO provides direct assistance to member countries via the CODEX Committees and other expert groups with a focus on training and capacity building in developing countries. In response to increasing demands for pertinent and succinct scientific and technical information upon which to conduct adequate hazard and risk analysis, the FAO has launched the Aquatic Food Programme in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with the expectation of creating a peer reviewed comprehensive knowledge base of integrated aquatic food to safety and quality information from a food chain approach. This paper also discusses the major activities of the FAO Fisheries Department to assist member countries and promote international cooperation for the use of scientifically-based fish safety and quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of product inspection data indicates that the yearly lot rejection rate decreased and stabilized to ≅ 4.5% following the implementation of the Quality Management Program (QMP) in Canada in 1992. For both high and low risk process categories, subsequent QMP inspections resulting in a lower rating have a significantly higher mean time between inspection value. QMP inspections conducted by regulatory staff affected overall QMP performance and the occurrence of deficiencies and unacceptable product increased with the length of time between QMP inspections. It is suggested that the mean time between failure (MTBF) can be used in the scheduling of subsequent QMP inspections providing a just-in-time approach for the deployment of regulatory staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to determine potential sources of Listeria monocytogenes contamination through statistical analysis of L. monocytogenes results from lobster and snow crab samples and Listeria spp. results from environmental swabs. The objectives were (1) to compare crustacean analysis records for relationships between presence/absence of L. monocytogenes and crustacean species, year, total aerobes, staphylococci and fecal coli-form; and (2) to identify sites prone to Listeria spp. contamination. There were no significant differences in L. monocytogenes incidence between lobster and snow crab nor between five consecutive years of survey. Total aerobes and staphylococci counts were significantly associated with incidence of L. monocytogenes; fecal coliform counts were not. On surfaces in contact with the processed product, Listeria spp. were mostly found within crab crushers, drum meat separators, shucking machines, on aprons, gloves, work tables and knives. Higher incidence of Listeria spp. were found on surfaces not in direct contact with the processed product such as truck boxes, foot stools, floors, drains and employee boots and pants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]