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[Rodney]

November 28, 2007

VANCOUVER – Following a recent investigation by fishery officers that uncovered the unauthorized sale of fish and fish products via the internet, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) would like to remind the public of the health and safety concerns surrounding the purchase of such products from unauthorized and unapproved sources.

Fish and shellfish that is being sold to the public must go through the necessary health and safety inspections that are required when selling to the public. Fish from an unapproved source, that is not properly processed or stored, or that has not been part of a regulated inspection process may cause serious illness or, in some cases, even death.

The Department recommends that any fish or fish products recently purchased over the internet, from non-commercial sources in the Lower Mainland, should not be consumed due to potentially high levels of e-coli bacteria. Anyone with questions or concerns about consuming any such products acquired through the internet may contact the DFO reporting line toll free at 1-800-465-4336 or 604-607-4186 (in Greater Vancouver), or contact their local health authority.

DFO would also like to remind the public that it is unlawful to buy, sell, trade or barter, or offer to buy, sell, trade or barter any fish that has not been caught under a licence that authorizes sale. Only fish caught under a licence that authorizes the sale of that fish should be purchased.

Businesses or individuals that buy or sell fish are subject to federal and provincial fisheries and health legislation. Violators of this legislation may be subject to arrest, fines, jail, and forfeiture of anything seized.

DFO is continually working to end illegal fishing activities and the related illegal sales of such fish and fish products. As part of this work, the Department is asking the general public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. Anyone with information can call the toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
 
Kirsten Ruecker, Communications Advisor
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
604-666-2872

[troutbreath]

That probably goes double for buying goat