The IFFO Beijing office arranged a busy week for Director General Andrew Mallison during his visit in March. Meetings in Beijing included the China Feed Industry Association to discuss the revision to the China Fishmeal Standard, the China Quarantine and Inspection Agency (AQSIQ) to discuss inspection visits to Peru and IFFO member CP Foods, then travelling to see IFFO member and feed company Haid in Guangzhou.

During the meetings with AQSIQ and the China Feed Industry Association, IFFO raised the concern by members that the official Chinese method for analysing protein in fishmeal is the Kjedahl method. Many producers are now using the Dumas method which seems more effective at extracting nitrogen from the sample, leading to a higher calculated protein level.

AQSIQ and CFIA both confirmed that all analytical methods are listed and available to importers and that the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is responsible for deciding which method is to be used. There seemed little possibility that MOA would be prepared to vary the protein method and IFFO members should ensure that protein analysis by the Kjedahl method still meets the declared levels.

While in Guangzhou, IFFO held the joint IFFO/JCI Fishmeal and Fish Oil Forum, a one day event covering the global and China markets for marine ingredients. With over 500 delegates attending the day, it was the largest event since agreeing the joint venture with JCI Consulting of Shanghai - an agribusiness consultancy and market researcher. Several international IFFO members travelled to Guangzhou, including Diamante and TASA of Peru and Seafoodexport of Marocco. IFFO Board President Humberto Speziani gave a presentation on the ocean conditions in Peru and the latest announcements for the new fishing season and the event was chaired by our China Director, Maggie Xu.