Central provinces require restaurants not to use dead fish

Quang Binh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism requires restaurants not to use dead fish from the sea to eat and serve customers. If poisoning occurs, they must take responsibility.

The unusual situation of mass fish deaths drifting ashore in the area from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien - Hue has caused concern among local people, and local fishermen are not confident in going out to sea to fish. Local authorities are focusing on overcoming the situation, ensuring environmental hygiene and food safety, and encouraging fishermen to feel secure in going out to sea to produce.

In recent days, fishermen in Quang Tri province have not gone out to sea because they cannot sell the fish they catch or are being forced to lower their prices due to fear after unusual fish deaths washed ashore.

Mr. Nguyen Van Luu, Vinh Thai commune, Vinh Linh district said: “The lives of fishermen have been affected by the unusual fish deaths that have occurred in recent days. Due to the fish deaths, people cannot go to sea, and if they do go to sea, they cannot sell their fish, and no one will buy them.”

According to the report of the agricultural sector of Quang Tri province, more than 40 tons of fish washed ashore were collected and destroyed. Currently, the situation of dead fish washing ashore has stopped, the environment is gradually stabilizing again.

However, consumers’ reluctance to eat sea fish has affected the livelihood of fishermen. Seafood restaurants along the coast of Cua Tung and Cua Viet are deserted because people are reluctant to eat fish, and even dare not swim in the sea.

Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, Head of the Department of Exploitation and Protection of Aquatic Resources of Quang Tri province, said that the functional sector of Quang Tri province has also encouraged fishermen to return to sea with peace of mind: “We affirm that the environment is gradually stabilizing again. In the coming time, we think that offshore fishing activities will be normal. For coastal areas, especially the bottom layer, some types of fish, certainly after a recovery period when the water source is checked and guaranteed; the lives of fishermen will return to normal.”

In Quang Binh province, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of this province announced and requested restaurants not to use dead fish to eat and serve customers, if poisoning occurs, they must take responsibility; at the same time, it recommended that seafood restaurants should switch to selling other foods while waiting for the conclusion on the cause of the fish deaths.

Mr. Tran Tien Dung, Vice Chairman of Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee said: "Currently, the social psychology is still hesitant to use seafood, even in other localities. Therefore, fishing is difficult. We recommend not to use sea fish for food, but river fish or farmed fish are still used normally. The Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism directs restaurants to ensure food safety for people and tourists."

Meanwhile, Hue Festival 2016 is approaching, leaders of Thua Thien - Hue province requested the Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism of the province to strengthen food safety and hygiene inspections, strictly handle violations, especially the use of food of unknown origin.

Mr. Nguyen Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thua Thien - Hue province, affirmed that the entire government system is involved to ensure the safety of domestic and foreign tourists at this Festival.

The wish of the people and local authorities affected by the recent unusual fish deaths is that the authorities soon announce the cause of the fish deaths so that seafood fishing and consumption activities can return to normal./.

According to VOV