Fish market stall in Niterói, Brazil. (Photo Credit: flavorsofbrazil.blogspot.co.uk/)
Certain conditions imposed on imported fish
BRAZIL
Thursday, May 09, 2013, 01:20 (GMT + 9)
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) ordered that all imported fish must be analyzed and subjected to an Import Risk Analysis (IRA), to assess the potential risk of introducing microorganisms capable of causing disease in the country.
The national government's objective is to ensure the quality of foreign aquatic products consumed by the population. For this reason, only the import of fish not affecting the health of Brazilian aquatic animals and preserving the national biodiversity will be authorized.
Furthermore, the MPA requires farmers at the origin adopt internationally accepted production practices.
"In case the ARI result is favorable for imports, the Ministry determines the animal health requirements that must be met by the exporting country and that ensure the appropriate level of protection determined to potential hazards that have been identified," explained the general coordinator of Fish Health of the MPA, Pedro Henrique Silva de Oliveira.
Late last year, the MPA managed to make the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) revoke a likely approval of labels for the import of tilapia from Vietnam, taking into account the need for a prior ARI process.
This year, health specialists from both ministries participated in a mission to Vietnam to assess the Local Official Veterinary Service (OVS) and collect data to support the import risk analysis of pangasius (Pangasius spp.), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and barramundi or Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) fillets intended for human consumption.
The mission report was sent to the MAPA, which in turn will redirect the final report to the Vietnamese authorities.
With regard to imports of Chinese tilapia, Oliveira clarified that it presents a different problem for its import.
"Brazil does not authorize the import of fish from aquaculture in China due to the lack of recognition of equivalence between the official veterinary services, a prerequisite for the import of any aquaculture native fish," said the official, reported the MPA.
Related article:
- Fish and shellfish health control strengthened
By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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