December 27, 2006

Russia to inspect Vietnam's catfish exports

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) yesterday said that Russian agencies would inspect all tra and basa (catfish) processors that export seafood to the country.

Sergei Dankvert, chief of Russia's Federal Veterinary Service said the agency would examine all factories in Vietnam that are processing seafood exports to Russia beginning year 2007.

The agency made the decision after Russian authorities discovered and seized 4,800 batches of fillet pangasius catfish from Vietnam without necessary sanitation and hygiene documents.

Statistics showed that in the first nine months of the year, Russia imported 12,400 tonnes of fillet pangasius, posting an increase of 203% over the same period last year.

Dankvert said that Russia would only allow manufacturers that are inspected by Russian authorities to export products to the country.

He added that aside from Vietnam, Russia would also examine seafood processing facilities in Iceland, Denmark and the Netherlands.