The Root Causes Analysis of Indonesia's Fishery Products Rejection in the United States of America and European Countries during 2010 – 2020

This study aimed to determine the number of cases, causes, and main rejection factors of Indonesia's fishery products by the USA and European markets. Data were obtained from the websites of USFDA (USA) and RASFF (Europe) from 2010 to 2020. Pareto analysis and fishbone diagram were used for analyzing data that informants validated from selected exporters and experts. Within the observed period, there were 2,318 cases of rejection in the USA and 79 in Europe. The highest case was in 2011 in the USA and 2012 in European markets. Based on Pareto analysis of rejection cases, the main factors that accounted for more than 80% of rejections in the USA were filthy and Salmonella; meanwhile, in Europe, were mercury, poor temperature control, Salmonella, histamine, and cadmium. The fishbone diagram result with validation from fishery product exporter shows that human factor, such as the lack of coordination and communication between business actors, especially at the supplier level when selecting raw materials, was considered the cause of rejection (filthy). Establishing well-managed cooperation among business actors within an integrated fish supply chain management is essential to ensure the quality of fishery products.