Processing on board fishing vessels The extent to which the standard should regulate seafood harvesting, handling and processing on board fishing vessels was the subject of many comments from submitters. Recommendations ranged from the view that no standard should apply, as the risks were low, to suggestions that food safety plans should be required. Mandating Good Hygienic Practice, addressing the risks through a voluntary code of practice and implementing a receival standard at the dock were also put forward as options. Several submissions advised that enforcing a standard on board vessels at sea would be difficult. The need for awareness programs or accredited food safety training was also raised.
The Seafood SDC advised that Good Hygienic Practices can and should be required of fishing vessels, including those only involved in harvesting and minor processing (such as gutting and gilling). The SDC recommended that the draft Standard require that fishing vessels must be constructed, maintained and used in ways that minimise the risks to the safety of seafood.
