Posted at 11:40 a.m., Monday, July 16, 2001

Warning leads Suisan to close Hilo fish auction

Associated Press

HILO, Hawai'i — Suisan Co. Ltd. will close the fish auction market it has operated since 1907.

After Saturday, Big Island fishermen no longer will be able to use the auction to sell to the wholesalers who supply restaurants and retail establishments.

Company officials said the decision was prompted by a critical inspection last week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Company officials were upset at being cited by FDA inspector Darla Bracy for failing to verify data provided by the fishermen, such as method of catch, time of landing, estimated time of death and method of cooling.

It's frustrating to have the FDA hold the company responsible for what fishermen do, said general manager Glenn Hashimoto.