Seafood

Inspection and certification of fishmeal for compliance with U.S. import and safety requirements.

NOAA SIP inspection

Develops when raw material is not kept fresh; high histamine can cause off‑flavours and health concerns.

Histamine formation

Oxidation of residual polyunsaturated fats during overheating or prolonged storage reduces palatability and nutrient value.

Lipid oxidation

A heat‑damage product from excessive drying temperatures; can cause gizzard erosion in poultry.

Gizzerosine formation

Introduced during post‑cooking handling, drying, or storage; can include Salmonella and other pathogens.

Microbial contamination

Presence of dioxins, PCBs or heavy metals inherited from source fish species and fishing areas.

Environmental contaminants

Growth of farmed fish and shrimp increases need for high‑protein feed ingredients.

Aquaculture expansion

Supply of fishmeal depends on the volume of fish catches and by‑product generation.

Capture fisheries availability

Limits on direct human consumption of certain fish species channel more material into fishmeal production.

Regulatory constraints on fish use

Relative cost of soymeal or other protein sources influences fishmeal demand.

Alternative protein prices

Primary protein source in feeds for farmed fish and shrimp.

Aquafeed

Supplemental protein in feeds for cattle, pigs and poultry.

Livestock feed

Ingredient in commercial dog and cat diets.

Pet food

Used in fertilizer and other non‑food industrial products.

Industrial applications

Maximum moisture content; low moisture limits microbial growth and preserves nutritional value.

Moisture

Minimum protein content; higher protein is valued for feed formulation.

Crude Protein

Maximum fat content; excess fat can lead to oxidation and handling issues.

Crude Fat

Maximum ash that is not soluble in acid; indicates mineral contamination.

Acid‑insoluble ash

Maximum total mineral residue; high ash reduces protein density.

Total ash

Minimum calcium level; important for bone development in livestock.

Calcium

Minimum phosphorus level; essential mineral for animal nutrition.

Phosphorus

Maximum salt content; excess salt can affect feed palatability.

Sodium chloride

Mesh size through which 99 % of material must pass; finer particles improve mixability.

Particle size

High‑density polyethylene bags or jute bags with a polyethylene liner, sealed to protect against moisture and contamination.

HDPE or jute bags

Fishmeal

Bacterial decomposition of fish before processing can produce histamine, which may cause toxicity in animals and indicates poor raw material quality.

Exposure to rain or condensation during shipping can increase moisture content, leading to mould growth and nutrient loss.

Moisture damage during transport

Heavy reliance on wild-caught forage fish can deplete marine stocks and disrupt ecosystems, affecting long-term supply.

Overfishing of forage fish

Fishmeal is a dried, milled protein product obtained from whole fish, fish wastes or by‑products of fish processing. It is traded as a bulk commodity for use as a high‑protein ingredient in animal feeds and related industries.

Month	Exports	Imports
Apr 2025	$136M	$50.1K
Mar 2025	$188M	$348K
Feb 2025	$194M	$53.8K
Jan 2025	$215M	$1.4K
Dec 2024	$77.5M	$632K
Nov 2024	$11.4M	$55.3K
Oct 2024	$14.1M	$205K
Sep 2024	$61.5M	$131K
Aug 2024	$203M	$1.7M
Jul 2024	$366M	$915K
Jun 2024	$287M	$914K
May 2024	$112M	$2.6M

Peru Fishmeal Exports and Imports

Monthly Trade Values