EU Inspectors ‘Impressed,’ Officials In General Santos Sayff

Health and safety inspectors from the European Union (EU) were impressed by the cleanliness and improvements they saw during a visit to this city’s fishing port complex and other parts of the tuna production chain, officials said.

Mike Lamberte, General Santos City Fish Port manager, said he personally heard the positive comments made by the EU inspectors during the visit.

The EU inspection team, led by Dr. Luca Farina, arrived here Tuesday to inspect tuna production facilities and operations in the city. The team visited the tuna processing sites, fishing vessels' berthing area, tuna unloading zone, freezers, laboratories and canneries.

The EU inspectors wanted to ensure compliance with EU standards by the tuna producers and exporters here before further opening the EU’s door to the city’s tuna products.

Lamberte was optimistic the fish port and other parts of the tuna production chain would be able to pass the scrutiny of EU regulatory and safety inspectors.

Mayor Pedro Acharon expressed similar optimism, saying he had seen the favorable reactions of the EU inspectors. “They commented favorably especially after seeing the improvement in physical infrastructure and good manufacturing practices inside the fish port complex and tuna canneries,” Acharon said.

The result of the EU inspection is expected to officially come out only by next month. The EU inspectors would submit their reports before the EU Commission for deliberation.

Acharon said the EU's approval of the city’s application for accreditation would further boost the tuna industry here.