Warning issued on transporting fish

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford today issued a strong warning to fish buyers and truckers regarding spillage on our highways from fish products being transported around the province.

Mr. Efford said he has received numerous complaints from the general public, including tourists, of large amounts of fish juice and other spillage from fish trucks and containers on our highways, resulting in offensive odours and messy roads. The minister said this serious problem must be addressed now.

"This type of action is not acceptable and must be stopped immediately. My department will be monitoring the situation closely and will enforce the necessary regulations to deal with this issue. We are also in the process of reviewing our regulations and looking at introducing legislative controls governing the transporting of fish and fish products."

Mr. Efford said he is especially concerned about the quality of fish being transported around the province where temperature control systems on these transports are not properly utilized.

"We have come a long way in our quality efforts and it concerns me greatly when I hear reports of instances where these temperature control systems are not being used properly, such as when reefer units are turned off for a period of time to conserve fuel."

Mr. Efford noted that the Department of Works, Services and Transportation has also received reports and complaints of spillage from transport trucks on board our ferries as well as on our roads. He added that his officials are working closely with other departments to ensure that enforcement is stepped up and that appropriate action is taken to deal with this serious problem.

Media contact: Sonia Glover-Sullivan, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

2000 07 27                       10:40 a.m.