The application of HACCP in the fish processing industry in Southeast Asia, 2000-2003

Abstract

At the 31st SEAFDEC Council Meeting in March 1999, it was proposed that a Japanese Trust Fund Project financed by the Fisheries Agency of Japan be established to support the programmes under the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Fisheries Consultative Group (FCG) collaborative mechanism. Under the Project's component on 'The promotion of the regional fisheries management', the MFRD proposed to conduct a 4-year programme from 2000 - 2003 on the application of HACCP in the fish processing industry in the S E Asia in view of the increasing importance and rapid development of HACCP application in the region. In line with international trends and the need to comply with the regulations of importing countries especially the EU and the US, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system has been endorsed for ensuring food safety in the ASEAN member countries. This programme was developed to assist ASEAN member countries (which now includes all S E Asian countries) further promote the implementation of HACCP in their fish processing industry not only for the export sector but also for the traditional fish products which are largely for the domestic market. The objective of the programme is to document HACCP application in the fish processing industry in the region and provide a useful platform for the sharing of information and experiences on HACCP application among the ASEAN member countries. [Extract]