October 27, 2006

EU hints favorable findings on Philippine tuna facilities

A team of inspectors from the European Union (EU) yielded favorable findings over tuna facilities at the General Santos City fish port complex which could pave way for more tuna exports to EU countries.

Reports from the Manila Bulletin said EU inspectors led by Dr Luca Farina seemed satisfied of their observations at the fish port.

According to Mike Lamberte, manager of the General Santos Fish Port said the EU team immediately conducted the inspection at the fish port complex in Barangay Tambler and looked into the tuna-production facilities and tuna processing.

The team also visited the tuna-processing sites, fishing vessels, boats' berthing area, tuna unloading zone, freezers, laboratories, and canneries.

Lamberte said the EU delegates wanted to ensure that local tuna exporters and producers comply with EU standards before recommending the city's tuna products to other markets.

He said he is optimistic the fish port and other tuna production facilities would pass the scrutiny of EU regulatory and safety inspectors.

General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr said EU officials commented favourably after seeing improvements in infrastructure and manufacturing practices in the fish port complex and tuna canneries.

Results of the inspection will come out within a month after the EU team's submission of their reports to the EU Commission for deliberation.

The country's tuna products such as canned tuna and fresh frozen tuna have gradually penetrated the European market and will be in full access if it passes the regulatory standards imposed by the EU.