Fortunately, there is a procedure to clear the seafood through FDA for any automatically detained seafood, even if it is on the Red List. Although many people mistakenly believe that adulterated food may come from certain countries such as China, the truth is that there are hundreds of companies listed from countries including Korea, Japan, Thailand, India, Philippines, etc. An importer must establish to the FDA that the particular shipment of seafood has been tested using the Salmonella Analyses described in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), 7th Edition (1992). Use of a private laboratory familiar with food testing for FDA import procedures must be contacted, and samples obtained, submitted and analyzed by the food testing laboratory. A laboratory report must then be issued by the private laboratory to the FDA. Once the FDA laboratory reviews the report and determines that the particular shipment is not adulterated with salmonella, the FDA compliance officer at the local port where the food is being detained will authorize the release of the shipment through an FDA Notice of Action. Otherwise, the seafood will be “refused” by the FDA, and, within 90 days, must be destroyed under FDA supervision or exported from the United States under the supervision of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). An attorney familiar with both CBP and FDA import procedures often works with the importer to coordinate the activities of the private laboratory with the local FDA compliance officer.
Moreover, there is a specific procedure for foreign suppliers identified on the Import Alert’s Red List to be removed from detention without physical examination through a request to the FDA’s Division of Import Operations and Policy (DIOP). That means that a foreign manufacturer or supplier of seafood can permanently get off the Red List so that the seafood it ships to the United States will automatically proceed through FDA without being detained and examined. The process may take several weeks to several months before the FDA issues a decision on the request for removal from the Red List.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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