Chinese government delegation visits Scarborough to inspect lobster and crab export processes
A Chinese government delegation has visited Scarborough to review export processes in the fishing town.
Scarborough’s fishing industry could see a boost after an official Chinese government delegation inspected lobster and crab export processes and compliance with Chinese import requirements.
The visit, hosted by North Yorkshire Council’s environmental health team in partnership with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Food Standards Agency, took place last month.
Inspectors examined processes relating to the export of lobsters and crabs destined for the Chinese market, with a particular focus on traceability, contamination controls, water quality during transport and testing for heavy metals, including cadmium in crabs.
Council officers said the delegation’s feedback on areas regulated by the local authority was positive.
Cllr Richard Foster, NYC’s executive member for managing the environment, said: “Scarborough officers, in partnership with Defra and the Food Standards Agency, hosted a Chinese government delegation to review lobster and crab export processes and confirm compliance with Chinese import requirements.”
The visit focused on traceability and testing regimes for shellfish exported to China, one of the world’s largest seafood markets.
The fishing industry in Scarborough has undergone considerable change in the last 30 years and is now facing significant challenges.
Fishermen in the town have been reporting a sharp decline in catches, down by around 90 per cent since a mass shellfish die-off event began nearly two years ago.
Scarborough is home to around 30 commercial fishing vessels which primarily focus on crustaceans.
Despite the challenges, the region remains one of the largest lobster fishing hubs in Europe.
The visit comes as seafood producers continue to depend on overseas markets, with compliance checks and export certification playing a key role in maintaining access to international trade.
The report noted environmental health officers are responsible for inspecting facilities and issuing export certificates for local shellfish exporters.
Councillors were told the inspection focused on ensuring exported shellfish could be traced throughout the supply chain and that appropriate safeguards were in place to meet Chinese food safety standards.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for a comment.