Recent Developments: Chinese Food Products Detained by the US FDA in February 2024

In February 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented automatic detention measures on several Chinese food products. This article provides an overview of the specific cases and products that were affected during this period.

The US FDA has recently taken action to automatically detain various food products originating from China. These measures are part of the FDA's import alert system, which is designed to address potential risks associated with imported food items. It is important to note that automatic detention does not necessarily imply that the products fail to meet US import standards. Rather, it means that the FDA requires further inspection and verification before allowing the products to enter the US market.

Let's take a closer look at some of the incidents that occurred in February 2024:

1. KINGLIKE CATERING TRADE INT'L COLTD - Lemon Juice:

On February 2nd, 2024, the FDA detained a shipment of lemon juice from KINGLIKE CATERING TRADE INT'L COLTD located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The product was suspected of adulteration.

2. Heilongjiang Hexing Agricultural Products - Pumpkin Chips (Pet Bird Food):

On February 20th, 2024, the FDA detained pumpkin chips intended for pet bird food from Heilongjiang Hexing Agricultural Products in Shuangyashan, Heilongjiang. The product was found to contain Bromide-cyanide.

3. Chiu Kee - Dried Red Beans/Adzuki Beans:

On February 26th, 2024, the FDA detained shipments of dried red beans/adzuki beans from Chiu Kee in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, and Chiu Kee Trading Co in Hong Kong. The products were found to contain Dinotefuran.

4. Chiu Kee - Persimmons:

On February 27th, 2024, the FDA detained shipments of persimmons from Chiu Kee in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, and Chiu Kee Trading Co in Hong Kong. The products were found to contain Imazalil, Tebuconazole, Myclobutanil, Methamidophos, and Benomyl.

5. Chiu Kee - Dried Figs:

On February 28th, 2024, the FDA detained shipments of dried figs from Chiu Kee in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, and Chiu Kee Trading Co in Hong Kong. The products were found to contain Abamectin, Spiromesifen, Spiroxamine, Methidathion, and Fenbutatin oxide.

6. SHANTOU FREEZING AQUATIC PRODUCT FOODSTUFFS CO. - Frog Legs:

On February 29th, 2024, the FDA detained shipments of frog legs from SHANTOU FREEZING AQUATIC PRODUCT FOODSTUFFS CO. in Shantou, Guangdong. The products were found to contain Sulfamethoxazole.

7. PANG LI TRADING CO - Dried Cabbage:

On February 29th, 2024, the FDA detained shipments of dried cabbage from PANG LI TRADING CO in Hong Kong. The products were found to contain Chlorpyrifos, Pyrimethanil, Boscalid, and Dimethomorph.

It is crucial for Chinese exporters to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and control the levels of agricultural and veterinary drug residues in their products. This will help mitigate the risk of detention and ensure the safety and compliance of exported food products.

The US FDA's automatic detention of Chinese food products in February 2024 highlights the agency's commitment to protecting public health and safety. Chinese exporters should remain vigilant and adhere to stringent quality control measures to maintain compliance with international standards. By doing so, they can minimize the risk of their products being detained during the import process.