Download Fish food - Final import risk analysis (April 2008)

Commodities imported into New Zealand under the existing import health standard for use as fish food have included: rendered poultry products, Artemia salina and Artemia franciscana, other zooplankton, and blood worms (Chironomid midge larvae).
This is a qualitative analysis of the risks associated with the import of these commodities from all countries for use in both commercial aquaculture and for domestic purposes (e.g. aquaria and fish ponds). Following a request from a manufacturer, the risks associated with the importation of rendered ruminant meals for use in fish food have also been considered. In addition, as fish oil may also be included in fish food, this commodity is also included here. The key findings of this risk analysis and options discussed for the effective management of identified risks include:
• For rendered products subject to the time/temperature conditions described in this risk analysis, no hazards have been identified.
• No hazards have been identified in rendered fishmeal and fish oil which are manufactured under initial cooking conditions of at least 80°C for a period of no less than 20 minutes.
• No hazards have been identified associated with dried viable Artemia salina and Artemia fransicana eggs.
• Zooplankton species may be associated with hazards although a clear definition of these is not possible due to a lack of data. Irradiation may be appropriate to effectively manage the risk.
• Similarly, irradaition may be appropriate to effectively manage the risks associated with Chironomid larvae.
• It may be appropriate to limit the importation of ruminant meals to countries recognised as being free of scrapie and having a negligible BSE risk.