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 chemical and drug residues, marine toxins, parasites, 

 decomposition and new packaging technologies. Research on 

 species identification and other areas that may result in 

 economic fraud, and research into sanitation and filth 

 contamination is also being conducted. 



FDA coordinates its research as much as possible with ongoing 

 research outside the agency. We work with academia, other 

 government and private organizations. In particular, we 

 maintain an active dialogue with researchers working at the 

 National Marine Fisheries Service, and facilitate this exchange 

 through a memorandum of understanding between the two agencies. 



FDA also funds extramural research. Perhaps the most notable 

 ongoing project is a study of the effects of methylmercury on 

 the fish eating population of the Seychelles Islands. The 

 results of that study will help the Agency determine whether 

 its action level for methylmercury in fish is adequate to 

 protect the public health. 



H. Federal/State Activities 



The Federal government cannot effectively regulate seafood 

 without the existence and cooperation of strong State programs. 

 FDA's HACCP initiative is not intended to — nor could it 

 possibly — alter this reality. The several roles played by 



