Training to Boost Fisheries Export to EU
MUARA, 12 June 2008,
Thursday - The Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Industry and
Primary Resources (MIPR) is looking to break into the European Union
(EU) market and promote local fisheries products in the global market.
Towards this goal, the department organised the Hazard Analysis Critical
Control Points (HACCP) training, which ended yesterday, according to a
press release from the Fisheries Department.
The training, which started June 9, reflects the department's efforts
towards being included in the EU list for export of fish and fishery
products, with respect to inspection systems that are internationally
recognised.
With stringent rules and regulation requirements, the HACCP system is an
integral part of the requirement for countries to export to the EU. In
order for respective companies to obtain the EU number, establishments
will require approval by the Competent Authority.
HACCP is a method to control food-borne hazards of microbiological,
chemical and physical nature, meaning pathogenic micro-oragnisms, toxic
chemicals of all sorts and harmful materials. Metal shards or bones
could end up in prepared foodstuffs if efficient controls are not
implemented by food manufacturers during processing. Companies willing
to export food products, including fish and fishery products, must have
a HACCP system in place.
The department invited a consultant from the EU, Franck Boccas, to
conduct the training and share his experiences with regards to the
applications of the system to the industry, according to the EU
requirements.
The training is also part of the department's capacity building efforts
in strengthening its staff's competence in the field of fish inspection.
It also aimed to promote understanding of the principles of HACCP in
relation to inspection of local shrimp processing establishments or
plants, among others.
Those involved in the four-day training sessions included those
responsible for the inspection and monitoring of the processing
establishments which produce fisheries products particularly for export,
mainly shrimp.
Members of MIPR's National Standard and Accreditation Centre responsible
for the HACCP certification were also involved.
- Courtesy of
the Brunei Times -
