"Fish farmers are co-operating fully with the Government to stop the use of the product with immediate effect," said a statment from the Executive. "Malachite green has been used extensively by the aquaculture industries in Europe and throughout the world for many years in the absence of any authorised veterinary medicine alternative. It has proved particularly effective at protecting the welfare of farmed fish. The UK Government has taken scientific advice from independent advisory committees over the past eight years on the use of this product to ensure that the interests and health of consumers are protected.