The Code, which sets out best practice at every stage of processing and covers an area from the Humber to Whitby, was officially launched in the port by the Yorkshire and Humber Seafood Group.

The project, the brainchild of Grimsby FMA chief executive Steve Norton, has been under development over the past three years.

Austin Mitchell joked that when he entered politics 32 years ago, his ambition was to be Prime Minister or at least Chancellor of the Exchequer. "But the highest position I have achieved so far is chairman of the Yorkshire and Humber Seafood Group."

However, he added that he was proud to be able to represent the industry and to launch the new code, which he said would help to secure its long term future.

"This is the way forward. The consumer wants to know that the fish it eats is from sustainable sources, but it also wants high quality and high standards. The code will delivery both. It is also marvellous to be able to launch it herein Grimsby."

Earlier, he told FISHupdate that he supported the recently announced Humber Seafood Exchange project, but added that whatever happened, some provision must be made so fishing vessels can continue to land their catches.

"It is very important that this happens," he said. "Ideally, I would liked to have seen this Exchange on the fish docks, but the council wants it to go on Europarc (a modern out-of-town business zone), so does Yorkshire Forward and so do the Icelanders who bring in most of the fish we process here.

Steve Norton said the Code was about food safety, good manufacturing practices and adherence to legislation. "The processors job is not easy - he has to compete globally for supply and is well aware of the problems with quota restrictions. This will be a working document that is not only user friendly, but will add value to businesses.

A full report on the Code will appear in the April issue of FISHupdate Magazine.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend