Recap of FDA's Automatic Detention of Chinese Food Imports in January 2024

In January 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented automatic detention measures on several Chinese food products. This article provides a summary of the products and companies affected by this action.

Since the beginning of January, the FDA has issued automatic detention on various products from Chinese companies. The following is a list of the affected products, along with their corresponding companies and reasons for detention:

1. Warning Number: 99-08

Date of Publication: January 4, 2024

Region: Qingdao, Shandong

Company: QINGDAO QIMEI Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd.

Product: Cauliflower

Issue: Presence of Thiodicarb

2. Warning Number: 99-08

Date of Publication: January 8, 2024

Region: Qingdao, Shandong

Company: QINGDAO QIMEI Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd.

Product: Strawberries

Issue: Presence of Dichlorvos and Ethoprophos

3. Warning Number: 99-43

Date of Publication: January 30, 2024

Region: Zhangzhou, Fujian

Company: Zhangzhou Hongyun Agricultural By-products Co., Ltd.

Product: Dried Black Fungus or White Fungus

Issue: Manufactured, processed, or packaged under unsanitary conditions

The FDA's automatic detention is a measure taken for imported food products with potential risks. When a product meets the criteria for automatic detention, it undergoes detention without inspection. However, it does not necessarily mean that the imported products do not comply with U.S. import standards. The detained goods must pass laboratory testing by the FDA or an FDA-accredited laboratory and receive approval from the FDA's local branch before they can be released and sold within the United States.

Export companies are advised to strictly adhere to food production and processing requirements, ensure compliance and safety of their products, control heavy metal content, and prevent residues of agricultural and veterinary drugs. These measures will help mitigate the risk of product detention.

In January 2024, the FDA implemented automatic detention measures on certain Chinese food imports due to various issues such as the presence of prohibited substances and unsanitary production conditions. Export companies are urged to prioritize compliance and safety to avoid potential detentions and ensure the smooth entry of their products into the U.S. market.