European MP Struan Stevenson has made inflammatory remarks to the European fish press over Pangasius, a fish that is now a widespread staple in Europe. In order to make him understand the importance of the industry as a whole, VASEP has invited Stevenson to take a look of the pangasius industry regarding the safety of the food we produce and the conditions under which our people work on the farms and in the processing plants.
VASEP said that they are proud of the strides they have made as a global food producer, and they hope that his visit will answer the questions he may have about the Mekong River, the farms, the plants, and the working conditions for our people. The letter also says that the industry believe that once he saw how the products are grown, harvested and processed, he may wish to correct the record by speaking from first-hand knowledge and experience.
VASEP also mentioned that the farms that grow Pangasius and the plants that process the fish are held to very strict global standards and are constantly reviewing processes and procedures to ensure that our industry meets the stringent standards required by an international marketplace.
The association remarks that the aquaculture sector in Vietnam, much the same as Stevenson’s in Scotland, is working hard to grow and innovate in the face of the higher cost of feed and other raw materials, a demonstration of our country’s commitment to becoming a global producer of much-needed protein.
It is true that the European market has embraced our Pangasius because the traditional wild harvest of white fish has been severely curtailed in most fishing nations. Buyers seeking other sources of white-fleshed fish to replace more common wild species enjoy the taste and versatility and can be assured of the nutritional value of Pangasius.
VSEP also said,“Vietnamese Pangasius is a fish for everyone and we are proud of the fact that, through the efforts of our hard-working people, we are contributing to feeding the families of the world”.
