Vietnam catfish farms not spared from USDA inspection

AFTER some years of deliberation, the US Department of Agriculture is set to impose an on-site inspection program of domestic and foreign catfish farms and processing facilities to ensure these all meet the same standards. The new directive begins in March 2016 and will be phased in through September 2017, at which time, growers and exporters are expected to be in full compliance.

Vietnam, one of the leading exporters of catfish to the US, has expressed its disapproval right from the start, calling the regulation a trade barrier, while industry insiders said 18 months lead time is not enough for preparation. The country has been in a struggle particularly with the Catfish Farmers of America which years ago accused Vietnam of dumping and of exporting poor quality products.

Vietnam is among biggest suppliers of catfish to the US Photo © Anphotos | Dreamstime.com

Moving forward, Truong Dinh Hoe, general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) recommends exporters to be familiar with the new USDA regulation, according to Tuoi Tre news. The news also said that many Vietnamese catfish producers and exporters find the new rule redundant as they already meet  ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), GlobalGAP (Good Agricultural Practices), the U.S.’s BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) and FarmBill.

The USDA is enforcing the program to ensure that catfish products are safe for consumption and do not contain such chemicals as antibiotics and antifungals, which are banned in the US.