Visakhapatnam: The three-day 20th India International Seafood Show concluded on Sunday. On the last day, the public were allowed to have a glimpse of the exhibition conducted as part of the show.
Over 117 Indian companies and 27 foreign companies represented at the International Seafood Show. The 21st edition of India International Seafood Show (IISS) will be held in Goa in February 2018.
The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) presented to the Andhra Pradesh government a digital list of the state’s farmers in the aqua sector, which would provide spot prices of seafood products in international markets on a real-time basis.
On the third and final day of the show, recognising the importance of timely and effective collaboration between India and the food and drug regulatory body of the US, the Director of Delhi based USFDA’s India office, Dr Mathew T. Thomas has called for a collaboration of the best practices in the farmed shrimp industry to minimise the extent of export rejections.
Major Indian exporters, while agreeing that the FDA was justified in its regulations, said all attempts were being made by the government to collaborate extensively with the regulatory body and boost information sharing.
This has not only led to lesser consignment rejections but also a greater awareness amongst Indian exporters who are now consistently adhering to stricter quality control standards.
Speaking at a technical conference, Dr. Mathew said the USFDA’s India office would welcome any suggestions in this regard.
He also stressed on the significance of self-compliance and said this was an opportune time for the regulatory body to respond to the Indian government’s national vision.
India, he noted, was the 7th largest exporter of seafood products into the US of which aqua cultured shrimp was the highest value product.
“The coastal state of Goa, known for its scenic beauty, sandy beaches and thriving ports, would host the next edition of the event,” said MPEDA chairman, Dr A Jayathilak.
