The Veterinary Medicines Directorate's (VMD) Statutory Surveillance Scheme detected illegal residues (2 to 35 ug/kg) of leucomalachite green in five samples of farmed salmon analysed in the first half of 2002. www.vmd.gov.uk/mavis/resnews/fish0702.htm

Eclipse's own surveillance work has found detectable levels of both malachite green and its metabolite leucomalachite green in samples of farmed salmon. The presence of any detectable residues makes the salmon illegal for sale in the UK.

In the absence of any authorised veterinary medicine alternative, malachite green has been used extensively by aquaculture industries worldwide for many years, proving particularly effective at protecting the welfare of farmed fish. The UK Government has taken scientific advice from independent advisory committees over the past eight years on the use of this product to ensure that the interests and health of consumers are protected. However, there are continuing concerns about its potential effect on human health.

With the full co-operation of fish farmers the use of malachite green, as a common fungal treatment in fish farming, ended earlier this year following discussions between the UK and European Commission. see: www.dardni.gov.uk/pr2002/pr020189.htm

Malachite green is not listed as a veterinary medicine under Annexes I, II or III of Council Regulation 2377/90, and its administration for that purpose is therefore not permitted in aquaculture. In the absence of any effective alternative treatment for fungal infections in fish, its use had continued in the UK - on the basis of surveillance screening to prevent residues likely to prove harmful to human health ending up in the final product.

Analytical Services

The simultaneous analysis of both malachite green and leucomalachite green in farmed fish (trout or salmon) is routinely conducted within the Residue Analysis Department, using a fully validated procedure. Results are usually available within 10-15 working days after receipt of samples - faster turnaround times are possible with prior notice. Any samples found to contain apparent residues are repeated. Further details are available on request - contact enquiries@esglabs.co.uk.

Eclipse Scientific has many years analytical experience in the following areas: animal/fish feed (raw materials & finished product), nutritional labelling, medicinal additives, spoilage markers, veterinary residue analysis and other contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides. Some of the specialised services offered are listed below:

Note -

* Tetracycline screen includes; tetracycline, chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline

# Sulphonamide screen includes: sulphadiazine, sulphadimidine, sulphamerizine sulphathiazole, sulphapyrazole, sulphapyridine and sulphaquinoxaline

Results can be offered in a variety of formats including e-mail, first class post, fax and direct data transfer.

Eclipse Food testing Laboratory offers a comprehensive range of UKAS accredited microbiological and chemical analyses, including:- 
Nutritional information labelling, vitamins and minerals, preservatives and other additives, contaminants & metals, toxins, pesticide and veterinary residues, pathogen testing, shelf-life studies, HACCP and food hygiene consultancies. Wide experience of serving the dairy industry. Monitoring of mineral and bottled waters, soft and alcoholic drinks.