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Much work has been done in the last decade on laboratory harmonization for fish import and export control systems, by verifying testing methodologies, harmonizing laboratory procedures and practices between laboratories in the region, and developing GLP’s. Additional work still has to be done in order to harmonize procedures between inspection agencies in ASEAN and to develop equivalency with inspection systems in importing countries. Harmonization is being carried out by the ASEAN mechanism, abet slowly. Some of the activities derived from the recommendations of this paper may help assist in obtaining the goal in a shorter time.
Issues
The issues at the Millennium Conference were poor quality raw materials and end products, and a lack of infrastructure; industry, and in particular SME’s had a lack of financial assistance and incentives to upgrade and implement appropriate quality/safety control systems; there was a need to review and revise food safety aspects of laws/regulations/guidelines related to fishery products standards and its application; there are sometimes inadequate enforcement of regulations on quality control and food safety, and a lack of coordination amongst various government bodies; there is a need of harmonization of safety standards, inspection, auditing, regulations, laboratory testing, HACCP training and implementation in line with international requirements; and harmonization within ASEAN, Codex and the SPS. The RTC and National Seminars on Post-Harvest Technology noted that some of the issues are covered in other sub-themes, but agreed that the issues mentioned above are still valid today, and highlighted the following issues that need more immediate action and should be addressed over the next decade:
Lack of GMP/SSOP implementation
There is a lack of GMP/SSOP implementation in source suppliers, processors, and transporters due to cost and lack of encouragement. Implementation of control systems such as GMP/SSOP for SME’s, that are TPE’s and PPE’s, supplying to domestic markets should be fast-tracked, and more resources should be put into enforcement. Development of SME’s and products from villages and communities should be encouraged.
There is an over-emphasis on international markets and regional thrusts should continue to be on SME’s;
except for the issues mentioned below.
Lack of traceability methodology and capacity to deal with new emerging export requirements
There is a lack of traceability and food safety assurance in raw materials due to suppliers who lack proper documentation, and fish collection from many sources. For some products, in order to meet market requirements, traceability systems do exist in some countries. However, many of these systems are private and are not all-inclusive. These systems need to be harmonized within the country and ASEAN. Traceability systems applying to the whole supply chain need be developed, including regulations, enforcement systems, and certification management mechanisms. Further, there are other more and more stringent importing country requirements that must be dealt with; for example: water, chemical contaminants, residuals, toxin and GMO testing. All of these tests have a high cost, and there is a lack of testing capabilities in the region. There are financial constraints in developing quality/safety control systems, and governments should be urged to support control agencies efforts to cope with these new emerging needs, in order to avoid the development of technical barriers to trade.
Lack of harmonized inspection systems and standards in ASEAN
There is still a lack of harmonization in inspection systems in ASEAN, and there are certification and accreditation issues related to Halal and organic food that needs attention. Governments should invest in testing capabilities, align ASEAN Members inspection systems, and harmonize standards for common products. ASEAN should develop its own equivalency standards, including proficiency testing of laboratories.
International certification organizations sometimes have poor knowledge of ASEAN products and they are also expensive and may involve stringent requirements; it would be better if ASEAN could do its own certification.
Poor internal regulatory control and lack of technical manpower
There continues to be internal regulatory control problems in some countries, such as multi-agencies and overlapping functions. Coordination between government agencies should be strengthened, and access and/or exchange of information through existing mechanisms better facilitated. Finally, there is a lack of technical
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manpower in many countries. There should be further capacity building, recruitment of personnel and intensified awareness by industry and private sector collaboration.
Lack of knowledge on quality and safety of freshwater fish
Freshwater fisheries are very important to most ASEAN countries, and are vitally important to those countries having a large inland fishery, where it is a major contributor to the food security of those countries. There is a general lack of knowledge on ways and means to improve the quality of these fish and their products. There is also a concern about the safety of freshwater fish; as these fish and their products may be a vector for parasites.
Conclusions and Recommendations Conclusions
Implementation of an effective quality, safety and control management system is essential if ASEAN Member Countries want to expand their fish trade and competitiveness of fish and fishery products for regional and international trade. Likewise, the production of a good quality safe product for domestic markets is necessary in order to ensure food security.
Recommendations
I. Implement GMP/SSOP in SME’s, by:
a) Developing training materials, conducting training of trainers programs, and training of industry on GMP/SSOP implementation.
b) Investigating means whereby the industry could obtain funds to incorporate GMP/SSOP.
II. Improve traceability methodology and capacity to deal with new emerging export requirements, by:
a) Investigating traceability systems that currently exist, and developing a mechanism whereby such systems can be harmonized in ASEAN
b) Investigating new emerging issues, and how they may be incorporated into a harmonized certification management mechanism
III. Improve harmonization between inspection systems and standards in ASEAN, by:
a) Investigating certification and accreditation issues related to Halal and organic foods
b) Continuing ASEAN laboratory accreditation, developing methodologies and mechanisms for proficiency testing, and promoting GLP
c) Continuing the process of harmonizing food inspection systems and standards for common products d) Investigating how private certification schemes could be incorporated into national or ASEAN
certification management mechanisms
IV. Improve internal regulatory control and technical manpower, by:
a) Developing a National Plan of Action in conjunction with other regulatory agencies to coordinate and control all aspects of fish handling, processing, distribution, and marketing.
b) Encouraging the recruitment and training of quality management personnel.
V. Investigate the quality and safety of freshwater fish
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