Fuzhou Grilled Eel Wins Over Romanian Palates

China Inspection and Quarantine Times - Industrial steam equipment filled the production facility of Jiangxi Hengxing Food Co., Ltd. with a swirling haze as it carried out the high-temperature sterilization of grilled eels recently. Each piece, glazed in a rich and savory sauce, made for a mouth-watering sight. The entire batch, valued at 460,000 yuan, has cleared Customs quarantine and supervision. It is now scheduled for imminent shipment to Romania.

An age-old verse captures its allure: “Travelers from the north seek a delicacy so fine - a piece of eel is worth a piece of gold.” Worldwide recognized as a premium food fish, eel has been esteemed since ancient times for its exquisite taste. Today, its unique flavor and nutritional benefits make it a star ingredient in markets at home and abroad.

“Exporting a single grilled eel involves multiple stages,” said Ju Bing, head of Jiangxi Hengxing Food Co., Ltd. “From breeding and processing to final export, Customs authorities have given us precise guidance throughout the entire process.”

To support Fuzhou's grilled eel in gaining a foothold overseas, Fuzhou Customs, a subsidiary of Nanchang Customs, has established a full-chain oversight and guidance system that spans "from the pond to the plate". The approach starts at the source, with strengthened monitoring of veterinary drug residues, including sampling and testing at breeding bases, alongside a clear list of banned substances. The process continues onto the production floor, where routine checks verify critical parameters like sterilization temperature and time, and where companies receive guidance on bolstering their self-inspection and quality control of finished products. For export, shipments selected for inspection benefit from the Customs initiatives such as appointment-based inspection and priority clearance, while the Customs authority proactively keeps firms informed of the latest standards in their target markets.

“Up to date, our grilled eel products have already earned a solid reputation internationally,” Ju Bing added. “Going forward, we will leverage the dedicated "fast track" for exports facilitated by Customs to further expand our global footprint and strive to place the unique taste of Jiangxi on more dining tables around the world.”

According to official figures, Fuzhou Customs oversaw the export of grilled eel worth 27.21 million yuan in the first ten months of the year.

(Correspondent: Wan Hui)