RP tuna exporters want

PHILIPPINES - Owners and operators of tuna canneries in General Santos City are seeking new accreditation from the European Commission after members of the European Union (EU) recently tightened safety regulations on imported food products.

The EU market is the country's second largest destination for tuna exports. Trade figures are pegged at no less than 200 million dollars a year.

According to Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban, tuna manufacturers have been continuously upgrading their facilities in time for the inspection of EU authorities in March.

"We cannot afford to lose the EU market," said Panganiban. "Local tuna canneries are gearing up to maintain their accreditation."

Two European experts will arrive in the country to study the quality and competitiveness of Philippine fishery facilities and aquaculture products.

The EC has lowered the acceptable lead content of tuna products they are importing from 0.5 to 0.2 parts per million and has been strictly monitoring the application of Good Agricultural Practices of Philippine exporters.

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Source: Global Nation

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