Pollutants found in cultured fish and their acceptability in the EU market was the focus of a recent study carried out by the Dutch Embassy in Egypt and Koudijs & Kapo Feed (KKF), a joint Egyptian-Dutch venture manufacturing animal nutrition.

The pilot study “Water Quality and Food Safety in Egyptian Tilapia Farming” examined 18 samples of water and fish that were collected from Egypt’s three largest aquaculture hubs: Kafr Al-Sheikh, Sharqiya, and Beheira.

The study revealed that food safety hazards were not a significant issue at farm level, demonstrating Egypt’s ability to maintain high safety standards during production. “The flesh of most fish is free of contaminants,” Nader Shams, technical support manager at KKF, concluded.

However, the findings also highlighted the need for considerable improvements in the post-harvest stage to ensure compliance with food safety requirements and unlock export opportunities.

The findings were reviewed last week during a workshop in Cairo called “Assessment of Water Quality and Food Safety in Egyptian Aquaculture”.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Egypt’s aquaculture sector ranked seventh globally, is valued at over $3.5 billion and continues to lead Africa as the top producer of tilapia — mainly freshwater fish inhabiting shallow streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes, and less commonly found living in brackish water — with total aquaculture annual production standing at 1.6 million tons.

Farmed fish is a highly economical protein source, with production costs being four times lower than red meat, making it a vital component of Egypt’s food security, said Mohamed Fathi Osman, aquaculture professor, consultant and former head of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAiR).

Tilapia is a cornerstone of Egypt’s aquaculture sector. “Tilapia represents about 80 per cent of the fish production in Egypt which is the world’s third biggest tilapia producer,” Shams told Al-Ahram Weekly.

According to Shams, the study lasted from August to November this year. All samples were analysed by QCAP, the official laboratory of the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture which is the only nationally approved authority for monitoring pollutants in food exports and imports and is internationally accredited as the first laboratory in the Arab world capable of analysing pesticide residues and pollutants with global standards, Shams said.

The results of the study led to recommendations for future cooperation between the Egyptian government, represented by the Egyptian Food Safety Authority, Lake and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency, and fish farming specialists to establish the regulations required for preparation of fish farms to be licensed for fish exports according to EU standards, and to encourage Egypt to move forward to increase its chances for exporting to the EU, according to Shams.

The study also recommended that farmers could improve water quality by coordinating with agricultural farmers to avoid contamination, and with fish traders to ensure proper post-harvesting practices are implemented.

Enhancing food safety standards also benefits Egyptian consumers, ensuring the same quality as EU markets.

Tycho Vermeulen, agricultural counselor at the Dutch Embassy in Egypt, told the Weekly that the study and the workshop showed that while production is plentiful there is still potential.

Vermeulen said safety can be guaranteed when there is public-private partnership collaboration with this sector and with government.

“Tilapia has been integral to Egypt’s culture since Pharaonic times and continues to fulfill a critical role as the cheapest source of protein. With rising population demands it is essential for sustainable development,” Alexander Peeters, the KKF general manager, said.

Peeters said Egypt’s strategic geographic location positions it as a strong contender for aquaculture exports to international markets.

“The success of the National Food Safety Authority [NAFSA] with seafood farmers could serve as a model for guiding farmed fish producers toward export readiness,” Marwa Lotfi, head of Fish and Fisheries Inspection for the NAFSA, said during the workshop. Lotfi highlighted the importance of monitoring systems and coding farmed fish as a first step toward achieving export compliance, as the lack of such systems is the only reason for Egypt’s inability to export to the EU.

According to Omar Abdel-Latif, agricultural advisor at the Dutch embassy, export is allowed now only for wild fish but aquaculture is still under consideration.

Abdel-Latif told the Weekly that after the pilot study, they need to focus more on the quality of water and work to avoid pesticide drainage from agricultural land.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 19 December, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly