Shrimp consignments for export to Japan by companies with previous violations must undergo semicarbazide (SEM) testing starting from May 15, the National Fisheries Quality and Veterinary Directorate (Nafiqaved) confirmed May 14.
Nafiqaved said shrimp product exports to Japan, by companies subject to compulsory examination, must have a certificate stating they do not contain prohibited antibiotic residues (Chloramphenicol, AOZ and SEM).
The certificate must be granted by Nafiqaved or local centers for seafood quality and veterinary control.
Previously, the Japanese side found SEM in six consignments of Vietnam-sourced imports (dried shrimp, salted shredded meat, and seafood spring rolls). SEM is a substance forbidden in food, under Japanese regulations. The country has decided to require examination of 100 per cent of imports from Vietnam to determine if the imports contain SEM.
Nafiqaved said four more Vietnamese companies will get Nafiqaved certificates allowing them to export their products to Japan. These are the workshop on processing dried products under the Nha Trang Export Seafood Processing Company, Vietnam Northern Viking Technologies Co Ltd, AMANDA Food Company Ltd, and the My An workshop specializing in dried products processing, under Phuoc Tien General Trading Company Ltd.
Nafiqaved has notified the General Department of Customs about required product examinations on these companies’ exports. Products of the four companies have recently been found containing prohibited substances.
As of May 7, 300 Vietnamese companies can export products to Japan without domestic examination.
Japan is currently among the largest buyers of Vietnamese shrimp products, including the US and EU, while Vietnam is the biggest supplier of black tiger shrimp to Japan.
In 2006, frozen shrimp imports by Japan increased by 1.1 per cent over the previous year, reaching US$2 billion and Vietnam-sourced shrimp accounted for 23 per cent of the market share. (Vietnam & World Economy)
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