KARACHI, Jan 31: The inspectors of European Union's Food and Veterinary Office on Monday visited the offices of Marine Food Department and Karachi Fish Harbour to examine the laboratory facilities and sanitation at the fish harbour.

The EU delegation consisting of Rui Space Ludovino, M/s Eva Bencini, Paulo Luciano and Rein hard Reimer, first visited Marine Food Department to examine the testing facilities at its laboratory for seafood quality being shipped to European countries.

It may be noted that the EU has authorised the MFD to issue quality certificate to seafood products being exported to EU countries. Earlier in the morning, the mission had paid a surprise visit to the Karachi Fish Harbour and inspected modified fish holds and inner-lining of few fishing boats. The mission was given briefing on the working at the fish harbour by the officials.

The EU mission, which is in the city to re-asses the quality of seafood production and packaging, visited auction hall, landing area, chillers, peelers sheds and approved seafood processing plants at the harbour. They also took photographs of various facilities at the fish harbour.

On the basis of their visit, the mission will evaluate whether the production of fish and fisheries products being exported to EU countries could still be considered as equivalent to the commodity requirements of the Council Directive of the Union.

The evaluation will cover the entire fisheries products including production chain, vessels, landing areas, auctions, establishment, potable water, ice facilities, shrimp peeling facilities, surrounding environment. -APP