PRESS CONFERENCE AND PANGASIUS STAKEHOLDER MEET-UP AT BRUSSELS SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL 2017

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS CONFERENCE AND PANGASIUS STAKEHOLDER MEET-UP

AT BRUSSELS SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL - APRIL 25^TH, 2017

FROM 13.30-14.30 IN ROOM 1122

Pangasius at par with USA catfish

Regulations concerning exporting pangasius from Vietnam towards the US will be tightened from September onwards. This is stated by Mr Luan (Deputy Director) of Directorate of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) from Vietnam - at a pangasius stakeholders meet-up at the Seafood Expo Global trade show in Brussels.

Starting September 1, 2017, imported pangasius will be treated the same way as domestically produced catfish and will be subject to the scrutiny of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). That implies amongst others that there will be increased inspections and that Vietnam must submit documentation showing the equivalence of pangasius inspection system with that of the United States. Being one of the most important markets for pangasius, meeting the new import requirements is necessary.

These import requirements concern the whole supply chain from the brood stock, hatchery, grown-up fish farms, processing plants to the programs for water quality and chemical residues. Although the pangasius industry is already claimed to be among the most tightly regulated fish industries in the world, Vietnam is ready to go one step further and fully co-operate in this program in order to continue exporting to the United States. It demonstrates the continued commitment of the panga industry and regulatory bodies to grow the industry in full compliance with international regulations.

Battling the alternative facts

This comes at a time where Pangasius continues to be a battled fish in the European market. It is sad to notice that alternative facts continue to be published. Over the last few months, a documentary broadcasted in Spain and the decision of Carrefour to stop selling panga created turmoil once again and led to a dramatic fall in pangasius sales.

How can it be that an industry that is among the most tightly controlled fish industries in the world continues to be hit by negative press? An industry that exports one of the most popular seafood products in the world to more than 160 countries.

All exporting pangasius companies must comply with strict international food safety regulations. In fact their quality management and food safety management systems are no different than those of their European or American counterparts. They comply with the same standards. Together with the food inspection services at ports of entry in the European market, these systems guarantee that pangasius that arrives in the European market is completely safe for human consumption.

This has been confirmed by scientific research by a team from Wageningen University. The research, that was published in ‘Reviews in Aquaculture’ in 2016, demonstrates that the fish is completely safe to eat and that stories about the fish being toxic are complete rubbish. For example, people would need to consume absurd amounts of panga of up to 167 kg per day, everyday for the rest of their lives before any health risk from certain pesticide residues might occur.[1]

The world needs panga, a responsible choice

On top of that, the top 20 pangasius exporters to the European market, that account for 80% of the export value, all have integrated production with farms that are all ASC certified. This clearly demonstrates their responsible farming with care for the environment, the workers and local communities. And let’s face it, the world can not do without sustainable aquaculture. It’s a fact that farmed raised fish have a lower environmental impact compared to land-raised animals. As a comparison, for 1 kg of pangasius, you only need 2,000 liters of water, while 1 kg of beef requires more than 15,000 liters. 

So once and for all, let’s stop bashing the panga. It is a popular export product worldwide, and for a reason. It is a healthy fish, completely safe for human consumption and responsibly produced with a low environmental footprint. Therefore, we are committed to continue to support the industry and grow together with our partners in the international markets.

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More information:

Ms Tuong Lan (VASEP)                        

Manager Promotion                                          

Tel: (+84 8) 62810430

Email:  tuonglan@vasep.com.vn

www.seafood.vasep.com.vn