February 27, 2007

EU to continue importing Vietnam seafood

After rigid examination from the European Commission Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General (Sanco) on Vietnam's seafood products and processing facilities, the inspection team have affirmed that the country will continue as a major seafood exporter to the European Union (EU) market.

This is EU's second inspection tour to Vietnam since 2003, said the National Fisheries Quality Assurance and Veterinary Directorate (Nafiqaved).

The group's preliminary report said Vietnam has made progress in monitoring antibiotic residue in seafood products thanks to its strict implementation of plans in this area. Although warnings were still issued on a number of shipments, the country has taken prompt measures to deal with the situation, the report said. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, around 209 seafood exporters have been qualified by the EU to export in their market.