CAN THO CITY, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As one of the key economic sectors in Vietnam, aquaculture production has steadily grown and faced new challenges due to increased legislation and consumer demands on a global scale. Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions for a wide range of industries worldwide, recently awarded the GlobalGAP Certificate for quality aquaculture production to Vietnam’s leading seafood farming and processing company, Minh Phu Company, marking the evolution of aquaculture standards in Vietnam to meet heightened demands in food safety and eco-friendly production practices.

As a private sector body, GlobalGAP sets voluntary standards for certification of agricultural and aquacultural production processes uniquely through collaboration from producers and retailers. The GlobalGAP certificate is designed to ensure that each step in food preparation is completed with regard for the health and safety of workers, the environment and animal welfare issues. Currently adopted for aquaculture in over 100 countries for the past 5 years, the certification is the most widely accepted standard for aquaculture production worldwide.

“Ensuring seafood safety across increasingly complex supply chains and distribution patterns is a constant challenge for the industry. As a leading certification body for GlobalGAP, Intertek’s Seafood and Food Testing lab in Can Tho City allows seafood farmers, exporters and consumers to be assured of the safety and quality of their seafood from sourcing to their dinner plate,” said Jochen Zoller, President of Global Food Services at Intertek.

Located near the Mekong River, Intertek’s Can Tho City lab resides in the heart of the Vietnamese aquaculture industry and assists local and international companies that source and produce seafood in the region. Staffed by trained seafood experts and equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, a wide range of quality testing capabilities are provided including: testing for antibiotics residues, chemical safety, heavy metals analysis, microbiology testing and testing for pesticide residues. Intertek services further aim to help farmers and growers adopt sustainable practices in aquaculture farms, assuring consumers that environmental impact and social consideration has been paid to farms and surrounding communities above legislative requirements.

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 25,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world.