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In the first half of 2010, Brazil imported 3,000 tonnes of Vietnamese pangasius worth USD 6.6 million. (Photo: Stock File)
Request to suspend imports of Vietnamese pangasius
BRAZIL
Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 02:20 (GMT + 9)
According to the Secretary of Monitoring and Control for the MPA, Eloy de Sousa, it was requested that the agency to suspend any licensing for importing fish from Vietnam due to allegations which call their health conditions into question.
"We will make an analysis according to the criteria established by the World Organization for Animal Health," the official said after talks with fishing industry representatives and the head of the MPA, Altemir Gregolin.
The chairman for the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Council (Conepe), Fernando Ferreira, argues that there are indications that the foreign products sold in Brazil contain an antibiotic that increases water retention in the flesh of the fish, Agencia Brasil reports.
"These fish have a high risk of contamination," said Ferreira.
The available data indicates that during the first half of 2010, 3,300 tonnes of pangasius were imported for a total of USD 6.6 million.
Brazilian producers have not only stated that they want imports of Vietnam pangasius to be tested for possible contamination, but also have complained that the price is too far below that of similar domestic products, such as the Amazonian mapara and tilapia.
Each kilogram of pangasius costs about USD 2, whilst the Brazilian version is worth USD 4.
Conepe leaders stress that this situation hinders competition in the domestic market and negatively affects producers, workers and the entire production chain.
The sector says that the large difference in prices has caused the dismissal of more than 3,000 workers in the fishing industry in Santa Catarina, as well as around 2,000 employees in the region north of the country.
Ferreira argues that the faster they prevent the establishment of the fish in the country, the Brazilian aquaculture industry will benefit and may achieve better results in aquaculture initiatives that aim to increase national fish production.
By Analia Murias
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