The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) announced that Vietnam will strengthen controls on ethoxyquin in feed production for the fishery industry to ensure stability in seafood exports to the EU, according to local news.

Ethoxyquin, used as a feed additive for the preservation of fishmeal, was banned by the EU due to fears the additive might cause a risk to human health, animal health and the environment. Other countries such as of Japan, the Republic of Korea and the US have permissible limits of this substance in finished seafood products.

From now until March 31, the directorate and localities would inspect the use of ethoxyquin in feed production. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Phùng Đức Tiến, has requested feed producers review its use according to the requirements of export markets, especially the EU, one of Vietnam's largest seafood export markets.