May 20, 2010
Substandard aquaculture feed a concern in Vietnam
Many aquaculture feed products available in the Ho Chi Minh City, particularly for shrimp, tra and basa fish, are of substandard quality and with lower nutritional values than claimed, according to Dong Thap's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Many products produced by companies such as Uni-President, Tomboy, Harvest, Van Sanh, Do Loc, Dai Doi and Sao Mai contain protein levels 2-5% less compared to the information detailed on their packaging.
Vo Hoang Ly, an inspector from the department, said that manufacturers who produced substandard aquaculture feed used to be subject to a VND6-million (US$316) fine, but this is not nearly enough to deter companies from violating regulations.
Many enterprises that receive fines simply sell the same product under a new name, he added.
To curb the practice, the Prime Minister has issued Decree 31/2010 ND-CP about fishing management on March 29.
Under the decree, which became effective on May 15, enterprises that manufacture substandard aquatic feed must pay VND40 million (US$2,108) in fines.
It is hoped that the increased fine would help control the feed quality, Ly said.