EU to check quality of bivalve molluscs in Vietnam
(VOV) -The European Commission Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) recently announced it will perform quality control inspections over processing of bivalve molluscs from September 9-18.
Tran Bich Nga, Deputy Head of the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) in turn has asked all pertinent quality management agencies of agro, forestry, and aquatic products across the county to step up efforts to ensure businesses are in full compliance with EU food and safety regulations.
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Key areas under the microscope include programmes on hygiene and safety control at breeding farms, procedures for granting certification of origin for products from controlled areas, and measures to maintain bivalve molluscs inside the controlled areas.
In addition, domestic businesses also need to maintain detailed documentation on shipments of bivalve molluscs, Nga said.
This is a basic requirement for which Vietnam received a warning from the EU in January 2012 and businesses must be able to present to the EU inspectors these documents to continue to export bivalve molluscs to this lucrative market.
NAFIQAD also requested the Centre for Quality of Agricultural Products provide the list of test methods on microorganisms, toxic algae, toxins and environmental pollutants and specific information about proven methods for food safety which were implemented in regional centres.
All of urgent requirements must be completed before July 10.