Safety issues slowing down Turkish expansion on Russian fish market

A number of Turkish fish producers are already selling to Russia with more waiting for approval by the country’s vet watchdog Rossekhoznadzor. However, the progress is hampered by food safety concerns expressed by the Russian vets, reports Megafishnet.com.

In particular, last December Rosselkhoznadzor held a video conference with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey to discuss issues related to ensuring the safety of fish products sent to Russia.

According Rosselkhoznadzor, the parties discussed the issues of compliance with the requirements and norms of the EAEU (The Eurasian Economic Union) and the Russian Federation as regards heavy metal residues in the products.

Responding to the concerns, the Turks have pointed out that they are taking measures to eliminate violations identified by Rosselkhoznadzor, as well as to prevent the shipment of unsafe products to Russia.

In addition, Turkey has offered to arrange a video inspection in order to get approval for more establishments willing to export fish to Russia.

According to Rosselkhoznadzor, the issue will be resolved based on the results of the inspection of fish companies conducted in September 2019, as well as on the actual compliance of the approved Turkish enterprises with the Russian and EAEU requirements.

Rosselkhoznadzor also noted that only in 2020, due to the detected violations, temporary restrictions were imposed on two fish processing plants in Turkey, and the products of eight other companies were placed under the regime of enhanced laboratory control.

Meanwhile Rosselkhoznadzor has published information on one more approved Turkish establishment No. TR 42-0536 Callut Tarim Turizm Ve Su Günleri Ith. Ihr. Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti with separate permits for fresh, frozen salmonids and products, etc.