QuickCheck: Are fake certificates being used for seafood sent to Turkiye?

WHENEVER seafood is exported, any certificates attesting to its safety and legitimacy tend to be a boost to its perceived quality.

This is especially so if the certificates appear to come from a government authority from the country the seafood is being exported from.

Recently, it was claimed that Department of Veterinary Services certificates accompanying seafood being exported to Turkiye are in fact fake.

Is this true?

VERDICT:

TRUE

The Department has denied issuing Veterinary Health Certificates (VHC) for seafood products exported to Turkiye.

This clarification comes after Turkish authorities alerted the department to the alleged use of VHC documents bearing the DVS name and stamp accompanying seafood products sent to the country.

“It is important to note that the powers under the Animals Act 1953 do not extend to seafood products.

As such, DVS does not issue VHCs for these items. It is the responsibility of exporters to obtain the necessary health certificates from the relevant authorities,” it said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 10).

The Department has added that it is seriously concerned about the issue, adding that falsifying VHC documents could negatively impact the department’s and country’s reputation and international trade relations.

It added that it would not hesitate to pursue legal action against those misusing its name and official stamp.

Anyone who commits forgery or produces false documents can be charged under Section 463 or 464 of the Penal Code.