In order to let the society have an easy way to choose safe and high nutrient fish products from the market, CMA Testing establish “Freshness Scheme” (hereafter as “The Scheme”) on voluntary basis to let aqua culturists to get their products certified with the Scheme so the confidence level of the public towards them can be enhanced.
The Scheme is operated and organized by CMA Testing on an independent and voluntary basis to provide for the certification of aquaculture products that can fulfill food safety requirements and also high in specific nutrient content. CMA Testing will be responsible for the assessment of candidate’s products for determination of their compliance with the requirements specified.
Core benefits of the “Freshness Scheme” Label Program for applicant enterprises (indoor fish farming):
Rebuilding Consumer Trust and Strengthening Market Competitiveness: Certification labels (“Premium Grade”, “Sashimi Grade”) serve as authoritative proof of product safety. They can directly address industry trust crises caused by food safety incidents (e.g., malachite green contamination), help certified products stand out from uncertified ones, attract safety-conscious consumers and purchasers (e.g., restaurants, supermarkets), and increase market share.
Dual-Tier Certification Flexibly Meets Market Demand: The program offers two options: “Premium Grade” (covering core safety indicators like heavy metals, veterinary drugs, toxins) and “Sashimi Grade” (adding advanced requirements for microorganisms, Clonorchis sinensis, etc.). Enterprises can choose based on product positioning, meeting basic safety needs for the mass market while accessing high-value segments like sashimi, thereby expanding profit margins.
Standardized Systems Optimize Production and Operations: Certification requires establishing a quality management system covering whole-chain control (water quality, feed, transportation, anomaly handling). On-site audits standardize processes and hardware, helping enterprises reduce safety risks and complaint-related costs while improving operational efficiency and product consistency.
Authoritative Endorsement Enhances Brand Reputation and Industry Standing: Issued by CMA Testing under The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, the label carries strong credibility. It not only boosts brand recognition in the Hong Kong market but also aligns with international standards and local regulations, laying a foundation for expanding cross-regional business.
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