EU tightens import controls on Chinese seafood

By Darren Ennis

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union countries are stepping up safety controls on Chinese food imports following a U.S. crackdown on Chinese farm-raised catfish, shrimp and other seafood, the European Commission said on Friday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it would not allow imports of the Chinese seafood until suppliers could prove shipments were free from harmful residues.

"We are currently reviewing the situation in respect of the U.S. decision, but we have asked our countries to be extra vigilant and they are stepping up their controls," a spokesman for the 27-country EU's executive arm said.

The U.S. FDA said there was no immediate threat to the public because the seafood contained low levels of the substances, but serious health problems could emerge if the products were consumed over long periods.

Catfish, basa, shrimp, dace and eel will not be allowed into the United States from China until the importer can show products meet U.S. requirements and safety standards.

U.S. officials have uncovered a series of unsafe products imported from China.

Earlier this year, melamine, a chemical used in plastics and fertilizer, surfaced in U.S. pet food, killing animals and prompting wide recalls.

The EU Commission spokesman said there had been an increase in the number of food products imported into the EU from China found to contain dangerous veterinary residues.

"We had three cases in 2006, while so far we have discovered nine cases this year under our rapid alert system, so this gives us the basis for our concern," the spokesman said.