The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) have criticized the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s much-anticipated rule for inspecting domestic and imported catfish. According to the source the rule stems from a measure in the 2008 Farm Bill that would charge the USDA with inspecting catfish. Currently, it’s the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s responsibility. The rule had been delayed for more than two years.
Gavin Gibbons, director of media relations for the National Fisheries Institute, said that the rule is a draft and is due to be published in the Federal Register. After its publication the government will invite public comment, meaning the final rule could be issued as early as June. But the NFI opposes the measure, arguing that inspection of catfish and all seafood should remain with the FDA.
Gibbons said that it is a mess from the start to finish. It’s a USD 30 million solution looking for a problem, he explained referring to the cost of launching a catfish-inspection program within the USDA. He added that the USDA has already transferred its Office of Catfish Inspection to its Office of Field Operations, an indication that the agency is preparing to implement the program.
Gibbons also noted that the rule does not mention that the FDA will be relieved from its duties, which mean two agencies will be responsible for the inspection of catfish. One big question that the rule failed to clarify is whether pangasius, a catfish-like species farmed primarily in Vietnam, will be included in the program.
VASEP said that its is important for the US consumers to know what they are buying and whether the Vietnamese seafood is safe and nutritious. Pangasius, in particular, now meets or exceeds all mandatory requirements for export to world markets, including HACCP.
