June 22, 2009
Vietnam steps up inspections on seafood exports to China
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has urged exporters to increase the frequency of inspections on seafood exported to China for failed food hygiene and safety checks conducted by importers.
Shrimps that were held up at the China's international border gate were discovered to contain impurities.
However, according to VASEP, the seafood that was rejected belonged to dealers, not to the association's members.
Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has now directed the agencies in charge not to grant certificates to unqualified seafood businesses.
The ministry is working with their Chinese counterparts to investigate the uncertified seafood that was stopped at the border.
