It reiterates it advice that the use of XyRex® products in contact with fishery products at any point in the food chain is not permitted.

However, there are certain products on the market, used in contact with fish that contain additives, such as XyRex® Prawnfresh. These may be used in accordance with the relevant legislation, but must be suitably labelled.

On 21 December 2007, the FSA issued a statement informing industry that XyRex® brand products were not approved by the European Commission and that the use of these products was to be considered illegal. The FSA quoted Article 3 (2) of EC Regulation 853/2004 which prohibits the use of any substance, except water, for the surface decontamination of fishery products.

In January, the FSA modified its advice and issued a further statement concerning XyRex® ‘Prawnfresh’ for the treatment of blackspot in Nephrops. The active ingredient of this product is 4-hexylresorcinol, which is an antioxidant (E586) and is approved in EU legislation for use in fresh, frozen and deep-frozen crustaceans. It may therefore be used for this purpose, in accordance with the additives legislation.

The FSA in March stated that it understands the company has agreed with the European Commission to submit a dossier in support of an application for the approval of XyRex® products under this legislation, and this will be considered in due course.

“We will continue to monitor any further changes in legislation,” said Ivan Bartolo of the Seafish Legislation Department. “However users of XyRex® Prawnfresh need to be aware that food treated with Prawnfresh will need a label or a notice at point of sale stating this.

“If sold pre-packed, such as in a tub from a supermarket, the food should declare ‘Antioxidant: E 568’ or ‘Antioxidant: 4-hexylresorcinol’ in the list of ingredients on its label. If sold loose, such as by a traditional fishmonger, it will not require a label. However, the seller should display a ticket, menu or notice indicating that the food contains an antioxidant,” he said.

The Seafish legislation team advises the industry on its current legal requirements and engages with government on any proposed changes to legislation affecting the seafood industry.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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