ACI Agrolink’s shrimp processing matches European standards: EU delegation

International delegates have highly praised ACI Agrolink's shrimp processing and quality control during a regional workshop organised under the European Union's (EU) "Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF)" programme.

Following a recent visit to the factory, delegates from eight EU and Asian countries said the ACI Agrolink processing facility is on par with advanced shrimp processing plants in Europe, noting no observable difference in standards.

A total of 45 government representatives from eight countries -- Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam -- as well as observers from the EU, attended the workshop.

As part of the training, the delegation toured the ACI Shrimp Genetics Nursery and the ACI Agrolink Shrimp Processing Factory. During the visit, they were briefed on the full process of Post Larval (PL) nursing and the EU-required protocols for processing export-quality shrimp.

Participants expressed strong satisfaction with ACI's management and recognised the company's contribution to strengthening the shrimp value chain. They praised the food safety, quality assurance, and biosecurity measures maintained during PL nursing and shrimp processing. Several delegates also said they would be willing to purchase ACI Agrolink products at premium prices due to the consistently high quality.

In response to a query from Syed M Istiak regarding potential areas for improvement, a representative of the European Commission said ACI Agrolink is already maintaining the highest standards, adding that the priority should be to ensure continuity.

The EU delegation presented ACI Agrolink with a "Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF)" certificate of appreciation for maintaining high standards.

The third day of the four-day training, titled "BTSF SPS Non-EU Countries Bangladesh: Regional Workshop on Aquaculture", was organised by the Spanish Association for Standardization (AENOR) and funded by the EU.

ACI Agrolink Limited, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, conducted the event.

Md Khaled Kanak, deputy director of the Department of Fisheries, Syed M Istiak, business director of ACI Agrolink Ltd, along with senior officials of the Department of Fisheries; and district and upazila-level fisheries officers, were also present.