The federation representing the employer association and traditional fishermen, Fedepesca, made a formal appeal to government authorities this Thursday, urging a tailored and differentiated approach for the sector. The request aligns with the royal austerity measures decree and centers on safeguarding food safety across the cold chain—from procurement through transport to in-store display. The aim is to ensure that practices reflect the unique needs of a fishing community that operates under distinct environmental and logistical conditions, while still upholding rigorous safety standards for consumers and workers alike.
In a public statement, fishermen emphasized the importance of maintaining the cold chain at every stage. They highlighted how temperature control must extend from the initial sourcing of fish and seafood to proper packaging, storage, and eventual presentation on retail shelves. Any lapse in temperature management could compromise product quality, reduce shelf life, and raise food safety concerns for customers, particularly in warmer months or regions with higher ambient heat. Fedepesca stressed that consistent cold-chain discipline is not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for the sector to function responsibly and sustainably. For context, this commitment to temperature control is a shared goal across supply chains that handle perishable goods, and it has proven essential in protecting public health while supporting fisherman livelihoods. (Attribution: Fedepesca, public statement issued in coordination with industry partners).
Consequently, Fedepesca asked the Government to consider a differentiated framework tailored to the needs of fishermen, recognizing them as a sector with specific environmental and operational realities. The petition argues that a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach may not accommodate the seasonal fluctuations, coastal conditions, and holding facilities that are integral to traditional fishing practices. A differentiated industry framework would allow for practical adjustments that uphold safety standards without imposing undue administrative burdens on small-scale operators and wholesale markets. (Attribution: Fedepesca, policy brief and sector guidance).
Employers also reminded stakeholders that traditional fishermen are predominantly supplied through central markets where cold rooms, wholesale warehouses, and fish markets form the backbone of daily operations. In these interconnected spaces, maintaining cold at all times is not simply desirable—it is indispensable for preserving product integrity. The report notes that the elevated ambient temperatures can make refrigerated storage more challenging, especially during peak loading times or in facilities designed primarily for other types of goods. The implication is clear: any regulatory framework must account for the realities of wholesale distribution networks and the physical infrastructure that supports them. (Attribution: Fedepesca, market operations briefing).
The royal decree currently sets specific temperature thresholds for cooling and heating in buildings and facilities used for administrative and commercial purposes, with a cooling limit of 27 degrees Celsius and a heating limit of 19 degrees Celsius. Fedepesca’s position is to harmonize these general guidelines with sector-specific cooling needs, ensuring that facilities integral to the cold chain are not disadvantaged by broad, generic limits. This balancing act seeks to protect food safety, worker welfare, and market efficiency, while still respecting environmental controls and energy considerations. The discourse centers on implementing practical controls that can be widely adopted across portside markets, processing hubs, and distribution centers, without compromising safety. (Attribution: Government regulatory text and Fedepesca policy input).