FDA third-party certification program for farmed shrimp

THE U.S. Food and Drug Administration has named the seven participants in Phase II of its pilot program for voluntary third-party certification programs for imported aquacultured shrimp. The participants in Phase II of the program are: Bureau Veritas Group Company; Global Aquaculture Alliance / Aquaculture Certification Council Inc.; Inspectorate America Corporation; SGS United States Testing Company; Seafood Inspection Service, National Marine Fisheries Services; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; U.S. Department of Commerce; and Thailand Department of Fisheries. Phase II, which will run through June 2009, will help the FDA develop the process for evaluating third-party certification programs. The pilot will allow the FDA to identify and address technical and operational issues in assessing certification programs and processing certifications. This information will assist the agency in moving towards broader recognition of voluntary third-party certification programs.Kobe 11 ELite Glowing