Advances in fish processing technology in Thailand in relation to quality management

Abstract

Fish and fishery products are important sources of food and are economically important to Thailand. Though marine fisheries production has become stagnant in the past decade, output is supplemented by both fresh water and coastal aquaculture production. Total fisheries production in 1993 was reported to be 3.4 million tonnes, of which aquaculture fisheries accounted for 9.7 %. The consumption of fishery products especially seafood is probably a result of the country s high economic performance. The upturn in fish processing industries and the Department of Fisheries HACCP-based inspection program were recognized in the region and internationally in the past five years. Consequently, Thailand has become, by value, the largest fish exporting country in 1993 and 1994. Processing technology is being developed to meet market demands for quality, safety and wholesomeness. Preservation technology for dried and fermented products is upgraded utilizing modem equipment and technology to extend shelf life and to improve standard for wholesomeness. While technology involving value-added products are developed locally for industrial scale production, processing technology is also being developed for dried, chilled, frozen, canned, retort-pouched and comminuted products. Quality management becomes the most concern of the fish processing industry. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based inspection system was enforced as mandatory for fish exporting companies in January 1996. Inspection techniques, monitoring and verification procedures are developed to strengthen the implementation of HACCP quality assurance program by the industries. Fish inspection for quality assurance has been focussed on meeting with international standards. New inspection laboratories and scheme for raw material control were established to employ the latest techniques to assure quality and safety of products and raw materials to be used for processing. The Government has put strong emphasis on quality management program for the industry. In the 8th National Economic and Development plan (1997 - 2001), the Department of Fisheries will continue projects to accelerate the development of quality products and quality system, to maintain the supply of safe and quality fishery products to local and international market and to resolve problems faced by the industry.