Ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance remains a significant challenge. From mislabelling and improper storage to environmental violations, businesses must navigate stringent guidelines to protect consumers and sustain marine ecosystems. In this article, Krishna Datta, Chief of Certification at TQCert Services Private Limited, explores common regulatory pitfalls and outlines key strategies to enhance seafood safety, traceability and hygiene at every stage of the supply chain
“To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses from seafood, it’s essential to ensure seafood is properly sourced, stored, handled and cooked.” Krishna Datta
Common Compliance Violations
Seafood businesses often face regulatory scrutiny due to violations such as mislabelling, improper handling, and environmental damage. Mislabelling includes species substitution, false sustainability claims, or incorrect country-of-origin labels. Improper handling, including temperature abuse and cross-contamination, can lead to foodborne illnesses. Environmental violations, such as illegal fishing and marine habitat destruction, also pose significant risks.
Ensuring Traceability
From catch to consumer, maintaining traceability is critical. Businesses must document the entire seafood journey, including sourcing, processing and storage, with clear records of time and temperature controls. This transparency helps detect deviations and ensures food safety.
Essential Documentation
Maintaining compliance requires meticulous record-keeping, including adherence to regulations and international standards like ISO 22000:2018. Proper documentation assures consumers and regulators that seafood products are safe and legally sourced.
Imported vs. Domestic Regulations
While all seafood businesses must follow domestic regulations, imported seafood is subject to additional standards set by the destination country. These may include limits on contaminants, specific labelling requirements, and sustainability certifications.
Key Certifications for Safety
Certifications such as ISO 22000:2018 and FSSC 22000 enhance credibility and ensure compliance. These standards help businesses demonstrate adherence to food safety management systems and build consumer confidence.
Foodborne Illness Risks
Consuming seafood carries risks of infections from bacteria like Vibrio, Norovirus, and Hepatitis A. Toxin-related illnesses, such as Scombroid poisoning and Ciguatera poisoning, also pose dangers. Proper handling, storage, and cooking minimize these risks.
Dangers of Raw Seafood
Raw seafood consumption increases exposure to parasites and bacteria. Controlling hygiene throughout the supply chain — from harvesting to storage — is vital. Consumers should pay attention to product handling instructions before consumption.
Emerging Contamination Concerns
Microplastics and heavy metals in seafood are growing concerns. Marine organisms ingest microplastics, which can accumulate in the food chain. Heavy metals, especially in larger fish, pose health risks. Ongoing research aims to address these challenges through improved monitoring and regulations.
Technology in Seafood Safety
Advancements such as blockchain, DNA barcoding, and IoT-enabled monitoring are transforming seafood safety. Blockchain ensures transparency, while DNA barcoding prevents species fraud. RFID and IoT devices track storage conditions, ensuring seafood remains safe throughout the supply chain.
Staff Training Requirements
Seafood handlers need specialized training in food safety, cold chain management, cross-contamination prevention, and species identification. Understanding allergen risks and sustainability practices is also crucial for maintaining compliance.
Best Practices for Food Safety
To improve food safety, businesses should invest in training, hire competent quality assurance professionals and implement rigorous monitoring systems. Eliminating non-value-adding processes enhances efficiency and compliance.
Frequency of Safety Audits
Routine audits are essential, with businesses advised to conduct food safety assessments every six months to ensure ongoing compliance and address potential risks before they escalate.
Preparing for Inspections
To pass regulatory inspections, businesses must maintain proper documentation, conduct internal audits and ensure cleanliness. Regular deep cleaning, pest management and equipment maintenance are key to meeting safety standards. By prioritizing compliance, seafood businesses can safeguard public health, protect marine ecosystems and build consumer trust in an industry that relies on transparency and quality assurance.
