Texas Garra Rufa Fish Regulation:

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a statement announcing that the fish pedicure would not be permitted in Texas under TDLR's health and safety rules.  A spokeswoman with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said that because the foot baths and holding tanks are home to live fish, they can't always be properly cleaned and disinfected.  However, officials noted they know of no actual cases of fish pedicures causing health problems. 

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.

Washington Garra Rufa Fish Regulation:

Washington state officials have also banned a procedure that uses tiny fish to nibble dead skin off the feet of customers getting pedicures.  Peridot Nail Salon in Kent, Washington began offering the procedure several weeks ago, with customers paying $30 to have small, toothless carp tickle their toes for 15 minutes.  But the state Department of Licensing decided the procedure was unsanitary and potentially unsafe, and declared it illegal.  An Agency spokeswoman Christine Anthony says state law requires that all implements in pedicures be sanitized, and there's just no way to sanitize live fish.  The main concern of the health agency lies in the fact that since pedicures are procedures involving exfoliation of skin where-in tiny unnoticeable cuts or bruises or abrasions on the skin are bound to happen, the whole implements involved in the service need to be well sanitized; which is not possible in case of live fish. As a result chances of any kind of infection increase manifold.

While, the Peridot was only one salon in the whole of Washington, which was offering this unique pedicure service, the procedure is quite famous in countries like turkey and all of Asia. Salon owners argue that the procedure is quite safe and hygienic as the fish are completely harmless and do not cause any infections.

Mississippi Garra Rufa Fish Regulation:

The Mississippi News center indicated the following: 

 "FISH" PEDICURE - The use of fish in pedicures has recently been aired on "Good Morning America". This "procedure" uses tiny carp to nibble away dead skin. The technique/procedure is prohibited in Mississippi where disinfection standards require that all instruments and supplies which have come in contact with a patron cannot be used on another patron until they have been properly cleaned and sanitized (Rule 808.I.) Further, Rule 809.II. requires that all instruments, materials, and supplies used in direct contact upon a patron, must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or other detergent, prior to disinfection. It is the opinion of the Board that the fish cannot be treated in such a manner.

Tennessee Garra Rufa Fish Regulation:

Tennessee recently modified their sanitary rules by changing what defines animals allowed in an establishment:

Chapter 0440-02
Sanitary Rules
Amendments
Rule 0440-02-.10 Animals is amended by deleting the text “,(i.e. guide dogs)” so that, as amended, the rule shall read:

0440-02-.10. Animals.
(1) No animals, birds, or fish shall be permitted in any establishment with the exception of animals used to help disabled persons.
Authority: T.C.A. §§62-4-105(e) and 62-4-125(a)
Rulemaking Hearing Rule(s) Filing Form
Rulemaking Hearing Rules are rules filed after and as a result of a rulemaking hearing. TCA Section 4-5-205

Agency/Board/Commission: Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology Division:
Contact Person: Terrance L. Bond
Address: Office of Legal Counsel
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower, 12thFloor
Nashville, Tennessee
Zip: 37243
Phone: (615) 741-3072
Email: terrence.bond@state.tn.us

Oklahoma Garra Rufa Fish Regulation:

In Oklahoma they are preparing for discussion and possible regulations on the “Fish Pedicure”.  In their September minutes, Ms. Lewelling stated that she had emailed Board members a video to be better informed on this agenda item. She explained that the Board’s rules require specific sanitation and safety procedures to be performed after each pedicure service and was not sure this procedure would meet these requirements. She said she also has some real concerns because the “doctor” fish often get large enough to suck hard enough to produce blood which creates more sanitation and safety concerns. Ms. Balzer stated that there is a lot to consider with this issue because fish in these numbers would require possible Wildlife Commission regulations, Health department, City ordinances and the Medical Board if the fish pedicure is done in a medical type spa or cosmetology salon. Board discussion continued with audience participation.   Chair Payne appointed a Fish Pedicure Research Committee that consists of the following persons: Kelon Carter, Chair, Michelle Huitt-Shook, Sherry Lewelling and Jennifer McRee. The Committee will meet, research and report back to the Board in November.

Arizona Garra Rufa Fish Regulation:

While two spas in Arizona are either currently doing or announcing that the fish pedicure is coming soon, a representative from the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology has told me that “Arizona does not allow fish pedicures.  Please see R4-10-112 F & G” These codes address Infection control and safety standards blood containment and disinfection of tubs and spas.

INTA Opposes "Fish Pedicure"

The recent flurry of media coverage of a “fish pedicure” being performed by a salon in Virginia reports on a service that as described is contrary to all standards and beliefs of the International Nail Technicians Association (INTA) and its Pedicure Equipment Cleaning & Disinfecting Procedures.

INTA strongly recommends that any nail professionals questioned by clients about this technique should caution consumers to inquire about proper cleaning and disinfecting of the fish tank for their own safety. Disinfection of pedicure equipment is required between each pedicure client, among other procedures developed and adopted by INTA and the Nail Manufacturers Council.