27/02/2013

VIET NAM'S PANGASIUS


In which provinces of Vietnam have Pangasius been raising? 

Map of Pangasius aquaculture regions in Vietnam
Pangasius have been raising and developing mostly in 10 Mekong Delta River provinces of Vietnam, including: An Giang, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Kien Giang, and two provinces (Tay Ninh and Quang Nam) with total farming area of 5,509 hectares (in 2011) and up to 13,000 hectares in 2020. Provinces of Can Tho, An Giang and Dong Thap are the leading culture regions of Pangasius in the Mekong Delta, account for over 75% of the total national Pangasius production.
These provinces almostly are located in the lower part of Mekong River, which is divided into two main streams (Tien River - Mekong River and Hau River - Bassac River), connected to a huge number of rivers and canals, where are living a various of aquatic plants and animals, producing abundant feeds source.
What are species of Pangasius in Vietnam? 
 Following are fish belong to Pangasiidae family (Tra familly) with Vietnamese name:
·     Helicophagus waandersii - Ca Tra chuot
·     Pangasius gigas - Ca Tra dau
·     Pangasius kunyit - Ca Tra ban
·     Pangasius hypophthalmus - Ca Tra nuoi
·     Pangasius micronema - Ca Tra
·     Pangasius larnaudii - Ca Vo dem
·     Pangasius sanitwongsei - Ca Vo co
·     Pangasius bocourti - Ca Basa
·     Pangasius macronema - Ca Xac soc
·     Pangasius pleurotaenia - Ca Xac bau
·     Pangasius conchophilus - Ca Hu
·     Pangasius polyuranodon - Ca Dua
·     Pangasius krempfi - Ca Bong lau
12 species among 13 as mentioned above belong to Pangasius family and one to Helicophasus family. However, two species of Pangasius hypophthalmus (Tra) and Pangasius bocourti (Basa) have been culturing and developing in Vietnam.

When does the Pangasius rearing exist in Vietnam? 
Pangasius rearing has traditionally been carried out in the Southern of Vietnam since the 1950s.  Tra fish can be reared in pond or cage and Basa fish mainly in cage. 
Cage rearing was originated from Tonlesap of Cambodia and have initially been applied in Chau Doc, Tan Chau (An Giang province) and Hong Ngu (Dong Thap province) since 1950s by repatriate Vietnamese. With the advancement and completion of experience and techniques, cage rearing became complete and stable. The greatest number of cages in 2004 was 2,333 units. Up to April, 2009, the number of cages was just over 100 units.
Rearing Tra fish in pond has been started in Mekong River Delta since 1970s and until now most of Pangasius to process for export is used this way of aquaculture.
Where is the source of the breeding stock:
The source of Tra and Basa breeding stock initially depended on natural capture. Annually, at the beginning of lunar May, when rainwater from the upstream of the Mekong River drained out, fishermen in Tan Chau (An Giang) and Hong Ngu (Dong Thap) used a funnel shaped net, called “day” to catch fry. The later were transported to ponds and reared into fingerlings with a length of 7 - 10cm which were then sold to farmers in the whole Southern regions to be raised in pond or cage. Hatcheries were mostly located in Tan Chau, Chau Doc, Hong Ngu and islands of Tien River, such as Long Khanh, Phu Thuan. During the 1960s and 1970s, number of annually caught fry varied from 500 to 800 millions individuals, and of fingerlings from 70 to 120 millions.
Researches on artificial propagation of Pangasius in Vietnam were respectively undertaken in 1978 and 1990. The first successful artificial propagation had been done in May 1995 in laboratory of Can Tho University, under the framework of joint research between  the “Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement” (CIRAD) - France, University of Can Tho and Fisheries Import and Export Joint Stock Company (AGIFISH Co.). Until 1999, as Vietnam became active and socialized the artificial propagation of Tra and Basa breeding stock, the wild fry catching had been stopped. Since then, Pangasius culture in Vietnam becomes stable and have been dramatically increased. Pangasius production reached to 1,4 millions tons by the end of 2011.

What are scientific and commercial names of Vietnamese Pangasius? 
The two following species are mainly reared in Vietnam:
·     Pangasius hypophthalmus
Other scientific names: Pangasius sutchi, Helicophagus hypophthalmus, Pangasius macronemus.
Common names:           Tra, Swai, Sutchi catfish, Striped catfish, Silver striped catfish
Vietnamese name:         Tra
·     Pangasius bocourti
Other scientific names: Pangasius pangasius
Common names:           Basa, basa fish, bocourti, Bocourti fish, Bocourti catfish.
Vietnamese name:           Basa.

What are biology characteristics of Tra and Basa fish? 

Pangasius hypophthalmus - Tra
Tra is a fish with long body, grey black back, little white belly, big­ mouth and two pairs of barbells. The raising period varies from 6 to 8 months to reach the weight of 0,8 - 1,3 kg/fish. Tra fish mainly live in fresh water but also in blackish water (with salinity percent of 7 - 10‰), can bear in alum water (with pH level > 5), in hot tempreture up to 39oC but be easily died at tempreture below 15oC. The volume of red corpuscles in Tra fish are much more than other fish. As the fish has an accessory respiratory organ and can also breathe with air bladder and skin, they can bear in the water lacking dissolved oxygen. The oxygen consumption and activity level of Tra fish is three times lower that the ones of a silver barb. 

Pangasius bocourti - Basa
Basa is also a fish with long body. The standard length of the body is equivalent to 2.5 times of the height of the body. It has a short, slight round and flat head, a wide forehead and a small mouth of which the width is less than 10% of the standard length and which is lightly askew the snout. Its teeth of the lower jaw are big and wide and can be seen when the mouth is close. It has two pair of barbells, the length of the pair at upper jaw is equal to the one of the head, and the whiskers are long to or over the end of pectoral fin. It has big eyes, belly and spleen, the back side of the body is flat, the back and the head have the grey green colour, and the belly has the silver-white colour. The height of the tail-end is more than 7% of the standard length of the body. The raising period varied from 10 to 13 months to reach commercial weight of 1 - 1.5 kg/fish.
As Basa fish has no accessory respiratory organ and requires an oxygen level higher than the one of Tra fish, it can poorly bear in water with low dissolved oxygen level. Basa mainly live in freshwater, can lightly bear in brackish water and in alum water with pH level > 5,5. The supported tempreture is from 18 - 40oC and the minimum oxygen level is about 1,1 mg/litre. In general, Basa fish can not support in severe environmental conditions as much as Tra fish. Therefore, they are mainly raised in floating cage.


What are nutritious value of Pangasius? 




How many countries/territories do they accept and consume Pangasius originated from Vietnam? 
Vietnamese Pangasius are highly appreciated by local and international consumers, not only for its white muscle, high nutritious value, a little of tasted lipid content, without horizontal bones but also for its safety, without smells of sediment  and seaweed.
Importers of Vietnamese Pangasius
from 2001 to 2011

-         EU (26/27 member countries: Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, United Kingdom,...).
-         Eastern Euprope (Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Polland,...).
-         North America (USA, Canada).
-         South America (Venuzuela, Panama, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina...)
-         ASEAN countries (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia,...).
-         China mainland and Hong Kong (China)
-         Asia (Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, India...).
-         Australia.
-          Middle East - North Africa (Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel,...).
Vietnamese Pangasius products have been exported and consumed in 5 continentals with over 140 countries and territories:

How do the foreign consumers appreciate Vietnamese Pangasius products? 

“It tastes better than catfish and America consumers have validated that. It’s Basa. Call it that and take pride in what a good product it is” - John Stamell, Director of Stamell & Associates, US
“... As might be expected in an are where fired catfish is almost a staple, they preferred fried to baked, whatever the species, But fired Basa got better scores overall, as well as for texture and flavour, when compared to fried local catfish. And baked Basa fillets got better taste scores the baked channel cats, too...” - according to study conducted by Dough L. Mashall, Professor of food science and technology at missisippi State University and graduate student Amit Pal.
“It is even better than the salmon salar as its taste is so neutral, and it fits in every culinary landscape and is welcome in every ethnic kitchen” - Herby Neubacher, Director of Vietnam Food Promotion Company

How are Pangasius breeding stock produced and selected? 

Farming pond and location selection:
Pond has area of 1,000 square meters-2,000 square meters, water’s depth level from 1.5-2 meters.
Hatching pond should be located near canals,  irrigation ditchs where it is easy for water supply and sewerage and care control. Do not plant big trees around the pond which will cover the sunlight and the leaves falling pollutes the water and environment.
Pond renovation:
Drain out of water; clean layer slop; fill spelaean of crabs, frogs, rats, eels; repair border; cut the grass surrounding the pond bank to prevent crop pests in the period of stocking fries.
The amount of powdered lime to scatter the pond is 
10-15kg per 100 square meters of pond. After spreading the powdered lime, the pont must be deposited for 2-3 days.
Supply water into the pond and add nutrition into the water:
After water supply flows into the ponds by aqueduct, awueduct has barrier with wire netting to prevent eggs, waste fish, crustacean. Water supply need to be deposited in sedimentation pond from 5-7 days before flowing into the pond.
Supply the water into pond 1 day before stocking fries
In seed  hatching, need to add the water with natural feed in the early stage for fish fries.
With pond area of 1,000 square meters: Manure 2 kg fishmeal contained 40 percent protein plus 2 kg flour soy-bean to feed fish with natural food.
Before discharging fish, check up factors of water environment to ensure:
- pH: 7-8
- Temperature: 28-300C
- Oxygen ≥ 3mg/litre
Seed and density:
Fish stocks need to be carefully selected to ensure the quality and growth rate of fish during the raising period. They are selected from credible hatcheries with high traceability of broodstock which can meet veterinary and hygiene conditions as required.
The selection of fish stocks:
-      The fish looks healthy, no signs of illness, scratches, misshapen fish are eliminated. Observations in fish holding tools shown that fish move fast, near out of citellus, bright colour.
-     The fish size must be equal.
-     The most suitable time for stocking fries is in the early morning and the late afternoon.
-     Density: 500 pecies/square meter.
Feed and Diet of feed: The following instructions are served for 1 million fries.
v The first week:
- Feed mixture for 1 time feeding  
+ flour soy bean: 300g
+ flour milk: 300g
-     Frequency of feeding: 5 times/day at 7h, 10h, 14h, 17h, 20h.
-     Way to feed: dissolve the mixture and disperse the whole surface of pond,
v The second week:
-     Feed 5 times per day at 7h, 10h, 14h, 17h, 20h. Feed is industrial feed flour with 40 percent of protein. Dosage: 0.5kg for 1 time feeding (5 times a day equal to 2.5 kg per 1 million fries a day).
Gradually increase the 20 percent amount of feed each day (depend on fish’s feed consuming ability).
-   Way to feed: disolve the mixture with water and scatter the whole surface of pond.
v The third week:
Use industrial feed with the protein of 35-40 percent.
Times for feeding: 4 times per day (8h, 1h, 14h, 17h).
Gathering fish and feeding at one position to determine the suitable amount of feed.
v From the fourth week and later:
Use floating industrial feed with protein content 30-35 percent and suit with fish’s mouth.
Fish is fed 3 times a day. Fish must be fed with feed that is full of quantity and quality.
In the end of fourth week,  to start classifying fish to distribute them in pond with density of 150-200 pecies/square meter.
Control and care:
-       Prevent pests (snake, eel, waste fish, harmful fish) to penetrate into hatching pond.
-       Observe the water colour in the ponds which must be between green and yellowish.
-       When feeding fish, ensure 4 factors “quantity, quality, place, and time to help fish grow well and limit pollution at hatching pond.
-       Periodically use some bioproducts to clean the water such as EM, Zeofish,...
-       After the first rains of the rain season, use dissolved lime (settle down), about 20-30kg/1000 square meter to spread the whole surface of the pond.
-       Use vitamine C regularly to raise resistance for fish
-       Fish seed for commercial farming must ensure traceability and meet requirements of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), must have quarantine certificate from relevant agencies. Breeding season: obey each locality’s yearly harvest crop schedule.

What are farming techniques of Pangasius in Mekong River Delta in Vietnam? 
In Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, there are three main farming techniques: intensive pond, floating cage and net-pen enclosure farming.
Floating cages:
The cages are made from steel or wood, and have two parts: the under-water part and the floating part. The cages is anchored at a certain place in the river by 14 tholes planted deeply into boom of the river. The floating part is handled at the surface of water by the system of many plastic tubes along the cages. Thank to the constant stream of the mekong river, fish farming in cages enjoys favourable natural condition, with white meat meeting high standards. Floating fish village is the farming area established by thousands of fish farming cages.
Pond farming:
The depth of pond must be at least 3 metres; regularly change water and clean the pond. Farming fish in ponds has some advantages: it is easy to control the pond’s environment, cost effectiveness, and high production. However, attention need to be put on water quality and environment control.



Net enclosure:
Net enclosure (or “Dang quang” in Vietnamese) is a farming area that has been separated in the river by fences, located near the river bank, so that the river flows still run through the net. This way of farming is relatively new and allows to stock higher density, as well as harvest very good fish.

Among which, pond farming gives highest production, while cage farming and net-pen enclosure farming give better flavour of fish.
Farming density:
Stocking density
Average yield
Pond and Net-pen enclosure
60 - 120 fish/m2
170 - 250 MT/ha/crop
Floating cages
100-150 fish/m3
70 kg/m3
Advanced Farms Standards are widely applied in farming: SQF1000CM, BAP and GAP.
Since 1940-1950: farming in small farms mainly in An Giang, Dong Thap (wild-caught fingerlings).
 Since 1981-1982: Trial of intensive farming in small pond (wild-caught fingerlings).
Since 1996-1999: intensive farming in pond and cage (wild-caught and artificial fingerlings).
Since 2001-2004: Develop farming in cage and pond with change from self processed feed to industrial feed (artificial fingerlings).
Since 2005 so far: switch from cage farming, net enclosure to super-intensive farming pond (artificial fingerlings).
Now, Vietnam fish farmers raise fish in system of advanced farming ponds which meet requirements of SQF 1000 CM (food safety and quality) as well as international standards and strict demand of consumers such as Global GAP, ASC, BAP...

Which standards have been applying in Pangasius farms in Vietnam? 
Pangasius farms are required to meet hygiene and veterinary conditions and to be in compliance with following Vietnamese regulations:
-     Decision No. 130/2008/QD-BNN dated December 31, 2008 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development promulgating the Regulation on control of harmful substances residues in aquaculture fish and products thereof.
-     Decision No. 70/2008/QD-BNN dated June 5, 2008 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development promulgating the Regulation on management of Tra rearing zones and establishments.
-     The Circular No. 03/2011/TT-BNNPTNT dated January 21st 2011 regulating traceability and revoking aquatic products which fail to ensure food safety and hygiene.
Apart from the respect of master plan of farming zones, environment and food safety aspects as required by Vietnamese regulations, rearing zones and establishments have also applying international standards as required by client to ensure sustainable development with 4 criterias: food safety, environment responsibility, social responsibility and traceability. International standards include:
1.    SQF 1000CM (Safe & Quality Food).
2.    GLOBALG.A.P. (Global Good Agricultural Practice) www.globalgap.org
3.    BAP (Best Aquaculture Practice).
4.    ASC (Aquaculture Sustainable Certification www.asc.org
5.    Some other standards, VietGAP.

How does the Vietnamese Government control the water source quality for Pangasius farming and what are the results? 
The Vietnamese Government and people living in the Mekong Delta pay much attention to the food safety issues and sustainable development of Pangasius farming industry. The quality of farming water becomes the first interest factor. The setting up of regulations and standards, of competent authorities in charge and the operation of Research Aquaculture Institutes and Monitoring Centers for Aquaculture environment and Epidemic are three main topics to be particularly focused.
1.       Regulations and standards: Based on scientific results of Codex, importing countries and researches on Vietnamese conditions, the Vietnamese Government has promulgated several effective regulations and standards on planning aquaculture zones and environment, quality of water source and food hygiene conditions, etc….
v  Sector standard No. 28 TCN 192:2004 Floating cage farming zones - Hygiene conditions.
v  The decision No. 03/2007/QĐ-BTS dated April 3rd 2007 of  Ministry of Fisheries issuing regulations on registering for circulation of veterinary drugs, products of aquatic environment treatment and renovation.
v  The decision No. 130/2008/QĐ-BNN  dated December 31st 2008 of MARD promulgating regulations of contaminant residue control in animal and aquatic products.
v  The circular No.44/2010/TT-BNN dated July 22th 2010 of MARD providing for conditions on food safety and hygiene-guaranteed intensive pangasius -rearing establishments and zones.
v  The circular No.45/2010/TT-BNNPTNT dated July 22th 2010 providing for conditions on food safety and hygiene-guaranteed intensive fish farming establishments and zones.
2.       Competent authorities: in charge of state management and enforcement of regulations on planning, safe and hygiene conditions and quality of farming water source. Vietnam has a system of competent agencies from central to local in charge of implementing state management in aquaculture Competent authorities under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) include:
a)    Central level:
-          The National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) with 6 Branches nationwide.
-          Department of Animal Health.
-          Department of Aquaculture (under Department of Fisheries)
b)     Local level:
Provincial Sub-Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development.
3.       Research Institutes and Monitoring Centers for Aquaculture environment and Epidemic:
Monitoring Centers for Aquaculture environment and Epidemic under Research Institutes for Aquaculture have implementing the “Surveillance and Monitoring Program for aquaculture environment in Mekong River valley” in the riverhead, middle and lower parts of the Mekong River. Monitoring results showed that parameters on the quality of farming water source (pH, turbidity, salinity, DO, BOD, NH3,...) were at tolerance levels and met standards for freshwater fish farming.
In 2009, scientists of Aquaculture and Fisheries Group-Wageningen University (Netherlands, researching agencies under MARD (Aquaculture Department, Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2-RIA2), Van Lang University, Can Tho University, Vinh Long Department of Agriculture and Rural Development implemented the research “Environmental impact assessment of the pangasius sector in the Mekong Delta” (see: www.pangasius-Vietnam.com).
The result of the research indicated that about 2% of the Mekong river water passed through the pangasius ponds. The effect on water quality was limited because sedimentation, mineralisation, and infiltration occur in ponds. The contribution of the production ponds to water pollution depends on the way farmers manage their sludge. In the worst case, the sector contributes 2.4% to the N and 3.7% to the P content of the river; while on-land sediment recovery and recycling may reduce these to less than 0.05%. You can click the link for more information (http://edepot.wur.nl/8332).
The National Monitoring Program for certain harmful substances residues in aquaculture fish has been implementing since 2000 by NAFIQAD but contaminants residues (heavy metals, pesticides...) have not been detected or been detected below MRLs in pangasius farming water and flesh.
Results of the above mentioned Programs show that the water source of the Mekong River has not biologically and physically been polluted and is suitable for aquaculture, in compliance with regulations on food hygiene and safety.
The effective control of safety and hygiene conditions in aquaculture and processing of fishery products in general, Pangasius in particular for export to the EU has been recognized by the European Competent Authorities (Food and Veterinary Office - FVO, Directorate General for Health and Consumers) during its recent regular inspections.

Have Pangasius farms been inspected and certified? 
Yes, they have!
To avoid and control the use of chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture and pangasius farming in particular, the NAFIQAD has implementing since 1999 the National Monitoring Program for certain harmful substances residues in aquaculture fish and carrying out inspections on veterinary and hygiene conditions, in line with Vietnamese regulations. The program is monthly carried out. The program result has not detected or detected below MRLs for contaminants residues (heavy metals, pesticides...). The Program has regularly been inspected by competent authorities of the EU,USA, Canada... that gave also good evaluation on organizational structure, legislation system and practical control.
Up to now, nearly 3,000 hectares (around 50 percent) of pangasius farming area have been receiving different sustainable certificates:  GlobalGAP, AquaGAP, BAP, SQF-1000, ASC...

What kinds of feeds are used in Pangasius farming? What are relevant regulations on feed control? 
There are actually two main kinds of feeds: commercial pelleted feed which are mostly used and home-made fresh feed.  
The commercial pelleted feed means the feed which is dried and pelleted by industrial processing lines. The feed has been studied and rationally mixed to ensure the nutrition for each type of species. With the feed conversation rate (FCR) of 1.4 - 1.6, the use of pellets saves the environment.
Home-made fresh feed is made by available local materials (such as rice, fishmeal, soy bean, cassava…) which are mixed and processed. These materials are finely ground, mixed together, cooked and cooled, and then made into small handfuls or pressed into pellets to feed fish.  
The pellets for Pangasius need to meet requirements on the quality and veterinary hygiene, in compliance with the Sector Standard No. 28 TCN 188:2004. The MARD is responsible for the registration for quality, inspection of hygiene conditions at feed mills and of quality of feeds.
Use raw materials from nature and resonably mix  to ensurace protein content from 15 - 20%. Some method of mixing feed for reference.
Method 1
Method 2
Method 3
Raw material
Rate (%)
Raw material
Rate (%)
Raw material
Rate (%)
Bran
60
Bran
50
Bran
60
Small fish, fisho il, fish gut
30
Flour corn
25
Dough fish
20
Vegetable
10
Flour dried fish
15
Dry oil
10


Vegetable
10
Vegetable
10
Anticipated protein content (%)
15-16

15-16

16-18
Feed and additional ingredients must belong to list of aquatic feed legally to circulate in Vietnam.

How can the chemicals and antibiotics be used in aquaculture? 
The use of chemicals and antibiotics, bioproducts, treated and renovated substances in aquaculture must belong to the list legally circulated in Vietnam.
v  Farms are inspected by relevant competent authorities as regulated in the Ministry.       
v  Circular No. 15/2009/TT-BNN dated Mach 17, 2009 promulgating the lists of banned and restricted chemicals and antibiotics. Simultaneously, they have also to apply standards on responsible farming (SQF 1000, BMP, GAP,...) and be evaluated by the third independent party (SGS, IMO,…).
v  Circular No. 64/2010/ TT-BNN dated November 11, 2010 on the removal of trifluralin containing products from the list of products for treatment and improvement of the aquaculture environment, permitted to be marketed in Vietnam.
v  Cicular   No.03/2012/ TT-BNN dated January 16, 2012 on removing products containing Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin from the list of veterinary drugs and products permitted to use in treating aquaculture environment.

1. List of chemicals and antibiotics banned for use in fishery production and trading
No.
Chemicals, antibiotics
Applied for
1
Aristolochia spp and its by-products
Animalfeed,veterinary medicines,chemicals,environmental treatmentsubstances, disinfectants, preservation substances,handcream used in seed production, aquatic animal and amphibians culture, fishery services, preservation and processing activities
2
Chloramphenicol
3
Chloroform
4
Chlorpromazine
5
Colchicine
6
Dapsone
7
Dimetridazole
8
Metronidazole
9
Nitrofuran (including Furazolidone)
10
Ronidazole
11
Green Malachite
12
Ipronidazole
13
Other Nitroimidazole
14
Clenbuterol
15
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
16
Glycopeptides
17
Trichlorfon (Dipterex)
18
Gentian Violet (Crystal violet)
19
Fluoroquinolones
20
Trifluralin
21
Cypermethrin
22
Deltamethrin
23
Enrofloxacin
2. List of chemicals and antibiotics banned
for veterinary use
No.
Chemicals, Antibiotics
1
Chloramphenicol (Other name: Chloromycetin; Chlornitromycin; Laevomycin,Chlorocid, Leukomycin)
2
Furazolidon and Nitrofurans metabolites (Nitrofuran, Furacillin, Nitrofurazon, Furacin, Nitrofurantoin, Furoxon, Orafuran, Furadonin, Furadantin, Furaltadon, Payzone, Furazolin, Nitrofurmethon, Nitrofuridin, Nitrovin)
3
Dimetridazole (Other name: Emtryl)
4
Metronidazole (Other name: Trichomonacid, Flagyl, Klion, Avimetronid)
5
Dipterex (Other name: Metriphonat,Trichlorphon, Neguvon, Chlorophos,DTHP); DDVP (Other names: Dichlorvos; Dichlorovos)
6
Eprofloxacin
7
Ciprofloxacin
8
Ofloxacin
9
Carbadox
10
Olaquidox
11
Bacitracin Zn
12
Tylosin phosphate
13
Green Malachite
14
Gentian Violet (Crystal violet)


3. List of chemicals and antibiotics restricted for use
in fishery production and trading
No.
Chemicals, antibiotics
MRLs (ppb)
1
Amoxicillin
50
2
Ampicillin
50
3
Benzylpenicillin
50
4
Cloxacillin
300
5
Dicloxacillin
300
6
Oxacillin
300
7
Oxolinic Acid
100
8
Colistin
150
9
Diflubenzuron
1000
10
Teflubenzuron
500
11
Emamectin
100
12
Erythromycine
200
13
Tilmicosin
50
14
Tylosin
100
15
Florfenicol
1000
16
Lincomycine
100
17
Neomycine
500
18
Paromomycin
500
19
Spectinomycin
300
20
Chlortetracycline
100
21
Oxytetracycline
100
22
Tetracycline
100
23
Sulfonamide (all types)
100
24
Trimethoprim
50
25
Ormetoprim
50
26
Tricainemethanesulfonate
15-330
27
Danofloxacin 
100
28
Difloxacin
300
29
Ciprofloxacin
100
30
Sarafloxacin  
30
31
Flumequine
600
4. List of chemicals and antibiotics restricted
for veterinary use
No.
Chemicals, Antibiotics
1
Improvac (Registration number: PFU-85, manufactured by Pfizer Australia Pty Limited)
2
Spiramycin
3
Avoparcin
4
Virginiamycin
5
Meticlorpidol
6
Meticlorpidol/Methylbenzoquate
7
Amprolium (powder)
8
Amprolium/ethopate
9
Nicarbazin
10
Flavophospholipol
11
Salinomycin
12
Avilamycin
13
Monensin


Which models of Pangasius organic farming have been applied in Vietnam? 
In the future, demand for sustainable seafood products will be on an upward trend. Achieving certificates of international standards will help enterprises raise its competitiveness and create a firm position in the international markets.
Several Pangasius farms have been set up and implemented organic farming models, in compliance with international standards:
1.      Model of Green Farm (applying AquaGAP standard) have been undertaking in Dong Thap province, by Vinh Hoan Joint-Stock Company. Principles to be respected: compliance with Government master-plan, environment protection and friendship, social responsibilities,  farmed fish health, food safety and traceability.
2.      Model of Organic farming in An Giang province, jointly invested by BINCA Seafood (head office located in Germany) has been inspected and certified by NaturLand. Organic farmed Tra  fish are exported to Germany and certain European countries during the recent years.
3.      Tra farming model by applying GlobalGAP (with principles: social and environment responsibilities, food hygiene and safety, friendly and sustainable traceability) has been highly appreciated by European wholesalers and consumers.
4.      Other models of PurePanga and TracePanga become typical and are also highly appreciated by foreign competent authorities and clients.
5.      Till June 2012, Vinh Hoan Corp., QVD Dong Thap, ANVIFISH, NTSF Seafoods, Biendong Seafood, Cadovimex II were granted BAP-Best Aquaculture Practice. BAP standards were set out by Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA)- the leading standards on certification for production chain. The standards attract a lot of interest from UK, Canada and American retailers and distributors.
6.      Till June 2012, some enterprises registered and prepared for audits towards certification of ASC such as Vinh Hoan Corp, Docifish, Hung Vuong Corp., SouthVina, Godaco, Sohafood, Anvifish, Ngoc Ha Co, Hung Ca, To Chau, Samefico, Navico, Hoang Long, CL-Fish, Biendong, CP Vietnam Livestock Corp, Ntaco, Docifish, Vinh Quang...

Which models are applied to link together fishery processing establishments for export in Vietnam? 
Vertical Linkage in pangasius production chain becomes the optimal approach which is based on the value chain to maximize the quality control of pangasius from farm to table, minimize risks and improve responsibilities of all stakeholders. The model has been set up and applied by the majority of pangasius processing establishments inVietnam to ensure the highest quality of exported fishery products as committed to clients.


How can we do to ensure that harvested fish for processing are totally free of antibiotics residues? 
Strict procedures have been respected during the aquaculture and sampling for banned antibiotics residues tests:
1.    The use of chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture is required to be recorded and in compliance with current regulations and standards.
2.    The competent authority in charge of food safety carries out regular control and inspections, including the use of chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture.
3.    The third party undertakes regular control and inspections  to ensure the compliance with current regulations.
4.    Before harvesting, processing establishment will come to the farm and sample at each pond for antibiotics tests. Only in case of negative testing result, fish can be harvested and supply to processing plants.

Is it required that pangasius supplied to processing plants are alive? What are harvesting and transportation procedures? 
Yes, it is! This is a technology requirement to ensure the freshness of pangasius fillet afterward.
Despite ponds or floating cages can be located a dozen kilometres far away from processing plant, with satisfactory testing results for antibiotics residues, fish will be harvested and transported by boat (the boat with many holes for water exchange to keep the fish still be alive during the transport to processing plant).

How many Pangasius processing establishments are there in Vietnam? Are the processing equipments and technologies of these establishments advanced? 
In Vietnam, there are nearly 100 processing establishments of Tra and Basa fish which are mostly located in theMekong Delta. in which 49 pangasius processing companies have been granted Global GAP (making up 45 percent of total number of fish processing companies).
The majority of these establishments are equipped with advanced equipments and technologies which allow toautomating several stages of production line and producing added value products. Advanced equipments include:
v  Continuous contact belt for filleting.
v  IQF system imported from the EU and Japan.
v  Metals detectors and vacuum machine.
v  Packaging and labelling equipments.
v  Advanced equipments for microbiological and antibiotics residues tests.
v  Treatment system for processing water and waste water.

Have Vietnamese processing establishments been applying quality management programs and food safety guarantee? 

Yes, they have and very well! Vietnam is classified in the 2nd rank in the world, in term of the number of EU approved fishery processing establishments. In November 8th 2011, 393 establishments were approved by EU and it took effect since November 21st 2011.
During the last ten years, the Vietnamese Government has promulgated regulations and standards in compliance with the EU and US Food and Drug Administration and also required establishments to set up and implement HACCP based quality management programs.
The majority of establishments meet not only Vietnamese regulations and standards but also international ones and is certified by foreign accreditation bodies and clients with BRC, IFS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, SQF2000, BAP, Halal, etc..

Does the Vietnamese Government regulate and carry out inspections on hygiene conditions of pangasius processing plants? 
Yes, it does! NAFIQAD, the competent authority in charge, has been recognized by the EU, Canada, Korea,...) equivalent in term of competencies to effectively control the quality and safety of fishery products intended for export.
The Vietnamese Government has promulgated regulations on the control of hygiene conditions at fishery processing establishments (including pangasius), specifically:
1.    The Circular No.55/2011/TT-BNNPTNT dated August 3rd 2011 on inspection, certification of seafood quality, food safety and hygiene.
2.    The Circular No.14/2009/TT-BNN dated  March 12th 2009 guiding environmental management in seafoodprocessing.  
3.    QCVN 02-14: 2009/BNNPTNT:  National technical standard on industrial aquatic feed producing plants - Conditions for food safety and hygiene, veterinary sanitation and environmental protection.
4.    QCVN 02-02: 2009/BNNPTNT:  National technical standard on seafood trading and producing plants- Food safety and quality guarantee program under HACCP regulation.
5.    QCVN 02-01: 2009/BNNPTNT:   National technical standard on seafood trading and producing plants - general conditions for ensuring food safety and hygiene.
6.    QCVN 02 - 08: 2009/BNNPTNT: National technical standard on seafood ice water producing plants - Conditions for food safety and hygiene guarantee
7.    QCVN 02 - 09: 2009/BNNPTNT: Conditions for food safety and hygiene: seafood cold storage facility - Conditions for food safety and hygiene guarantee.

The use of food additives in pangasius processing, is it in compliance with requirements of importing countries and controlled by Vietnamese competent authority? 
Yes, it is! The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development promulgated the Decision No. 01/2008/QĐ-BNN of January 4, 2008 regulating the labelling, glazing and use of food additives in frozen fish processing.
For food additives:
The Decision regulates that food additives used in processing should be in the list of food additives authorized for use by competent authority of importing country (for export products) and of Vietnam (for domestic consumption products). The quantity of food additives used in the product is not allowed to exceed the MRLs authorized for each type of product.      
For the labelling:
The labelling of frozen fish products should be in compliance with Vietnamese regulations (for domestic consumption products) and importing country’s requirements (for export products) which are to ensure the accuracy of the product nature and do not be opposite to Vietnamese regulations. Apart from labelling information as required by Vietnam and importing countries, net weight and gross weight (including fish, glazing water and package) or quantity of glazing water in the fish have to be clearly stated on the label.
Non-compliance consignments shall not be granted with a certificate for export or placing into domestic market and be treated in compliance with current Vietnamese regulations. Competent authorities of importing countries and client shall be informed of intentional violation cases. 

Each Pangasius consignment intended for export is tested by Vietnamese Competent Authority for microorganism, chemicals and antibiotics residues? 
In accordance with Vietnamese regulation (The circular No. 55/2011/TT-BNNPTNT dated August 3rd, 2011 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on seafood safety and quality inspection and certification), the inspection and certification and Health Certificate granting for a fishery consignment is carried out by the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD), in compliance with importing countries’ requirements.
NAFIQAD has signed up to date bilateral agreements with competent authorities of the EU, Korea, Russia, China,Canada, Taiwan... which recognize the NAFIQAD competencies on fishery quality and safety control during the whole production chain.

Vietnam Pangasius was switched from “red list” to “toward certification” in WWF’s seafood guide for fish lovers in EU countries. 
WWF’s members in 6 EU countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Denmark put Vietnampangasius in to the Red List” (product shouldn’t be used) from the Orange List (product that can be considered for use) in WWF’s Seafood Guide for fish lovers 2010. The information was withdrawed from survey on assessing over 100 fish species in the world under WWF’s renewed criteria for sustainable development.
Vietnam rejected WWF International’s assessment on Vietnam pangasius at some respects. If the  assessment was carried out in right way with consultation of relevant multi-sides and experts in fish production, pangasius should be placed at blue or near blue list.
WWF based on data collected from 89 farms with area of 360 hectares and 28 farming establishments and 4 hatcheries from an other document to release evaluations on pangasius.
The organizations didn’t use to visit Vietnam and provided evaluations only based on available documents. Research method set out by WWF International, the North Sea Foundation (NSF), the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) was relied on 19 questions. These questions depend on answers from many different people, leading different conclusions.
December 15th 2010:
Directorate of Fisheries (D-Fish), Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Viet Nam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) and some other Ministries had a dialogue with WWF International delegation led by Mr.Mark Powell, WWF's Global Seafood Programme director. At the direct dialogue, WWF agreed to remove Vietnam Pangasius from the Red List in Seafood Guide and recommended consumers to continue using this product.
Mr. Mark Powell was highly appreciated Vietnam pangasius quality that is on sale in the EU markets and a lot of other foreign markets. He himself loves this product. He emphasized that Seafood Guide for Consumers was just a guide to advice consumers on purchasing environmentally friendly and sustainable products and should not be seen as a trade barrier that the U.S imposed on Vietnam fish.
Mr. Mark Powell admitted his mistake in assessing the facts on Vietnam Pangasius only based on available data of2008-2009 without considering reality.
December 17th 2010:
Being witnessed by D-Fis­h; WWF International and WWF Vietnam, VINAFIS and VASEP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sustainable development cooperation of  pangasius production sector. Accordingly, VINAFIS and VASEP were in charge of popularizing information and training fish farmers and producers towards sustainable development. WWF International and WWF Vietnam must realize its 5 commitments, including the withdrawal of pangasius from WWF’s Red List, financial and human resource assistance to help Vietnam fish industry develop in a sustainable way.
After the MoU, WWF’s members in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Denmark withdrew Vietnamfish out of the Red List. WWF Sweden is the last one to implement this commitment. 
Vietnam Pangasius is now placed in a new “towards certification” category of WWF’s Seafood Guide for consumers in EU countries.
Main types of products originated from Pangasius? 
Live Tra and Basa fish are processed to different types of products, including frozen and added value ones. Following are types of Tra and Basa fish products for export:
-    Whole fish
-    Slices
-    Fillet.
-    Breaded fish
-    Basa cooked in clay pot
-    Steaks


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