Formaldehyde Found in Vietnamese and Chinese Fish in NC Supermarkets
September 17, 2013 -- At least 25 percent of fish imported from Asian countries -- predominately Vietnam and China -- purchased at Raleigh, North Carolina area supermarkets contained formaldehyde, Food Safety News reported. The levels of formaldehyde in the fish, found and confirmed by private and North Carolina State University researchers, were higher than the minute traces of the carcinogenic chemical found in nature. The levels found in the tainted fish are banned for use in food within the United States.
Formaldehyde is commonly used as an embalming fluid or disinfectant. Toxic disinfectants banned for use in food within the United States are often used in fish farmed in the polluted waters of Vietnam and China to kill microbial organisms. Instances of intentional use of formaldehyde in foods to prevent spoilage have been found in Vietnam and China, Food Safety News reported. The Food and Drug Administration, responsible for the safety of imported seafood, does not test seafood for formaldehyde.
Although the species of contaminated fish were not identified, Vietnam is the largest exporter of catfish-like pangasius (basa, tra and swai) to the United States. China is a major supplier of channel catfish, tilapia and other farmed seafood to the U.S.
Consumers should always check the country of origin of seafood they purchase. U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is a reliably wholesome, healthy alternative to potentially tainted imported seafood.
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