THE Seafood Processing Plant in Dagupan, now operating in almost full capacity, is optimistic it will earn its Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACPP) accreditation this year.

Dr. Westly Rosario, chief of the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC) which was tapped by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to operate the plant, said with the HACCP accreditation, products processed at the facility will be able to enter the United States with less difficulty.

HACCP is an accreditation given by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the guidelines set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Rosario said the seafood processing plant already underwent inspection and passed the test conducted by the Philippines’ Food and Drug Authority last year and the result of which has been submitted to the USFDA.

The processing plant is currently serving small exporters to various countries, including the US.

Rosario said since the processing plant reopened late last year, it has developed processed milkfish and shrimp products owned by independent exporters as well as local traders that deliver their produce to the Cordilleras.

He added that exporters using the facility are also eyeing countries in Africa as a possible market for processed milkfish and shrimp.

At the same time, the NIFTDC chief called for more shrimp production among farmers to fill in the demand of the export market for processed shrimps.

Rosario said the facility’s service to independent exporters is helping develop the local aquaculture industry, the purpose for which the plant received a full grant from the South Korean government.

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