Integration of food control system for international markets: Firm level adoption of standards in Myanmar fishery sector

Endowed with favorable geographical condition, Myanmar produced 4.14 million metric tons of fishery products in 2012. The recognition of Myanmar competent authority CA for fishery products export to EU was approved in 2009 resulting to 20 approved fishery processing plants in the EU publication list. This study aimed at characterizing food control for the trans-boundary fishery trade specifically, from the points of view of both public food control provision and firm level adoption of food safety standards. Interviews with the responsible personnel from the Fishery Inspection and Quality Control Division were conducted. Field surveys were carried out at approved fishery factories to assess their adoption of private and public standards, to identify incentives for adoption of HACCP and to find out challenges in practicing food safety management system at the firm level. This study showed that food control by the CA plays an essential role for the export success of firms. Regardless of how small or big the approved firms are and whether they possess private certificates or not. To comply with regulatory and customers’ requirements and to get access to new markets are three major incentives towards the adoption of HACCP system. The need to retain trained production staffs and managerial staffs are two major challenges in the adoption of HACCP for the firms.