We have terrible news to report. “Fish pedicures” or “doctor fish” procedures, that we reported on back in August, have now been banned in at least two states. Authorities in Washington and Texas are unhappy with the communal insertions of stinky feet into aquariums primarily for sanitary reasons.
The following is from a statement by the ever watchful Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation:
The issue is whether cosmetology and barber establishments may offer this procedure in Texas.
TDLR concludes that this procedure is not permitted in Texas under TDLR’s health and safety rules.
TDLR researched the health and safety aspects of the procedure, including seeking the opinion of officials at the Texas Department of State Health Services. Based on this research, we believe that the procedure poses an undue risk to public health and is not consistent with TDLR’s health and safety rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code, Sections 82.100 – 82.114 (barber) and 83.100 – 83.114 (cosmetology). TDLR rules do not permit this procedure because the same fish are used on multiple customers and could transmit infectious diseases. Additionally, the use of live fish does not allow for the footbaths and the holding tank for the fish to be adequately cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the rules …
We are not convinced, though. We want to see the data!
Press release…
Image credit: deckchua @ Flickr: Fish Spa @ Manila Ocean Park…
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