According to the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (Nafiqad), MARD, from April 15, the Food Safety and Inspection Agency (FSIS) – the U.S. Department of Agriculture will officially inspect the Vietnam’s Pangasius shipments to the United States.
On March 1, FSIS announced a list of foreign businesses that are allowed to process and export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the United States, of which 23 are from Vietnam. will export in Nafiqad list to FSIS.
Shortly thereafter, on March 7, Nafiqad issued Document 376 / QLCL-CL1 requesting FSIS to consider and recognize the remaining 22 facilities. However, 22 enterprises have not been listed by FSIS and other Pangasius processing enterprises wishing to export to the United States need to submit documents and evidence according to Nafiqad’s guidance in Official Letter 113 / QLCL. -CL1 for Nafiqad to aggregate to register with FSIS.
For businesses on the list of allowed Pangasius exports to the United States, Nafiqad requires businesses to proactively review the system of self-control, quality control and food safety to ensure pangasius products. Exports to the United States meet these market rules for antibiotics, heavy metals, pesticides, microorganisms, labeling regulations, country of origin information, names and codes. production facilities…
In the course of implementation, if any problems arise, businesses should send documents to Nafiqad for guidance and coordination for handling.
Previously, on December 2, 2015, FSIS sent a letter to Nafiqad informing: Before March 1-3, 2016, Nafiqad needs to send a list of Vietnamese businesses that are and will continue to export Siluriformes fish products. (including tra and basa fish) in the US market.
Nafiqad has issued a dispatch No. 113 / QLCL-CL1 to notify and guide businesses to register at the request of FSIS. After summing up, among 45 establishments that submitted registration, 23 establishments submitted complete dossiers, 22 establishments were included in the part of export demand due to not providing documents and proof of and will continue to export.
On February 4, 2016, Nafiqad issued Official Letter No. 236 / QLCL-CL1 to FSIS list of 45 facilities mentioned above. During the meetings with FSIS, Nafiqad confirmed that all 45 facilities were inspected and supervised to ensure food safety conditions in accordance with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of US Department of Health, 22 establishments wishing to export pangasius to the United States are currently actively seeking partners to export in the near future.