Are We Really Off the Hook?

Malaysian fish exports to EU resume after long suspension

http://news.malaysia.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4485006>

The European Union said Friday its trade in fish and fishery products with Malaysia is back to normal, after it suspended imports more than two years ago over health concerns.

"After two years of intensive and fruitful cooperation between the Malaysian and the EU authorities, trade flows have resumed, in full compliance with EU standards," European Commission ambassador to Malaysia Vincent Piket said.

"We will jointly continue to ensure that only products complying with the highest food safety standards will be traded between the parties. That's what today's consumer expects," he said. In 2007, Malaysian exports of fish and fishery products to the EU were valued at 600 million ringgit (190 million dollars).

The ban came about during a period of severe economic turmoil 2007-2008. In terms of food safety standards, the fish food ban was listed together in the same time with Melamine cases in China's milk powder products.

Are food producers really concern about consumers or are they concerned about their production being halted?

Though we cannot place blame squarely on producers because they too have mouths to feed, investment made to be returned to, loans to be repaid and so on, however, years of neglect and inconsiderate standard of productions after making enough earnings should open the eyes of profiteers to food safety issues for their consumers.

When we were called-in by one of the largest and well-known Certification Body (CB) to take-over a particular case involving food safety standards, our sound appraisal was well-received by the owner of the Soya Sauce Manufacturer. It is most unfortunate that he has met many other consultants who made promises for good returns and delivering nothing in terms of end-result: the food safety management certification.

We salute the Business Owner who had inherited the 45-year old family business for his business ethics when he chose not to cut-corners but to continuously improve on his business. Though we were unable to deliver what he wanted after consultations with the CB and have his business on as a Client, we are proud to associate with him.

Kudos to Business Owners who are not "hooked" onto profit-making alone but ensuring public health is first and foremost, assured.

Black Friday - Increase in US Retail Sales 2010. What about Malaysia?

AFP reported that the Black Friday, the official start of the holiday shopping season in the United States, showed a 2.2-percent boost in the number of shoppers going to the malls, according to early estimates. But the estimates showed only a 0.3-percent increase in spending. ShopperTrak monitoring on Black Friday retail sales summarised:

2008 - USD10.15bil; 2009 - USD10.66bil (+0.5%) and 2010 - USD 10.69bil (+0.3%) in various retail locations.

"This means the American shopper has adapted to the economic climate over the last couple of years and is possibly spending more wisely as the holiday season begins," said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin.

There is a tendency to push consumers to websites as confirmed by PayPal of an increase of 27% total payment volume. "The tough economy has made shoppers more price-conscious, and this year's Black Friday results show that they're going online to find the best deals," said Amanda Pires, senior director at PayPal.

"With the convenience of shopping from a laptop or mobile phone, more people are choosing to avoid the long lines, parking chaos and early morning rush in exchange for great online deals available from the comfort of their homes," she added.

So how the scenario for Malaysia?

Do write to mienspg@gmail.com on your retail sales performance on Black Friday.