Appendix A 



EPA/FDA Summary Policy Statement on 

 Chemical Residues in Fish and Shellfish 



This joint EPA/FDA policy statement outlines jurisdictional under- 

 standings relating to the regulation and control of poisonous or 

 deleterious substances (chemical contaminants) in fish and shellfish 

 and recommends procedures for improved interaction between the 

 states and EPA/FDA headquarters and regional/district offices on 

 these matters. The statement is intentionally written on a broad policy 

 plane, primarily addressed to these governmental entities. More 

 detailed, technical aspects are treated in the main text of this guidance 

 manual. 



The purpose of this statement is to: 



• Clarify the respective roles and jurisdictions of EPA and FDA 

 at the federal headquarters level and at the regional/district 

 office level relating to regulation and monitoring of con- 

 taminated fish and shellfish (generically, referred to as "fish" 

 below) 



• Explain the differences between federal and state respon- 

 sibilities and authorities in this area 



• Establish procedures to improve federal-state communica- 

 tions on fish contamination issues 



• Promote greater consistency between states in generating state 

 health advisories on the consumption of contaminated fish. 



Section I contains a brief description of the recent developments that 

 make this statement particularly desirable at this time. Section II 

 articulates the specific authorities and jurisdictions of EPA, FDA, and 

 the states regarding contaminants in fish. Section III refers to the risk 



