Frequently Asked Questions
How do I employ Surefish to help me understand the
quality of seafood products that I am trading?
Sampling and Lot Inspection - Most clients hire Surefish to
evaluate product through sampling from each of the lots involved.
Surefish inspectors are trained in statistically valid sampling
techniques and in the quality attributes of the product inspected.
Surefish will ask clients for specifications to inspect to.
If no specifications are presented, Surefish will quantify the
attributes per standard Surefish methodologies. The results of
the inspection will be presented in a standardized Surefish
report format. Inspectors are available to elaborate on the
inspection report if desired by a client.
Plant Audits - Surefish inspectors are trained to
conduct audits of producer‚s sanitation, quality and/or
HACCP programs and processing facilities. In addition to
actual product inspection, these audits can provide in depth
information about the practices of the producer that
will impact long term supplier relationships.
How far in advance do I have to order my inspection?
Surefish makes every effort to accommodate the operational
needs of our clients. However we take offers on a first come,
first serve basis. Depending on the nature of your transaction,
Surefish will work with the vessels, brokers, cold storage, or
agent to administer the sampling and inspection. Surefish is
aware of the exigencies of seafood trades and knows how to
administer the inspection in the most efficient manner.
How long does it take to get an inspection report?
Generally, the final inspection report will be
made within 3-4 days of the initiation of the inspection.
Can I rely on the information in the inspection report to make
transaction decisions?
Surefish inspection reports are formatted to give objective,
specific information about the product sampled. Of course the
report reflects the conditions of the samples inspected only.
Then, the sampling must be good enough to be representative of the
overall lot. Surefish inspectors feel that the report reflects the
lot to a large extent if they have had the opportunity to
adequately sample the lot. In the event that Surefish
inspectors have not sampled the product themselves or the
sampling plan has been provided by the client, the report will so state.
Why should I use a Surefish inspection?
Surefish inspections add value to seafood transactions.
The information provided reduces risk, enhances marketability,
and provides important data that can be used to improve product handling during processing.
How do I order a Surefish inspection?
You may contact our headquarters office in Seattle or contact the
branch office that will do your inspection. All Surefish employees
have been trained to receive your inspection information. We ask
that you complete an
inspection order form so that the pertinent
information regarding the inspection is memorialized.