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Vannamei, also known as white leg shrimp, is high in demand in the US, EU and Japan for its taste, flavour and texture
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In what appears to be a big setback to India’s target to double seafood exports from $5 billion to $10 billion by 2020, a large contingent of Vannamei shrimp sent from Andhra Pradesh has been rejected by the European Union for antibiotic excess.
Vannamei, also known as white leg shrimp, an exotic species in high in demand in the United States, EU and Japan, is most sought-after for its taste, cost, flavour and texture. It is known for its yummy taste when complemented and garnished with lemon juice. Andhra Pradesh is the leading exporter of Vannamei, which has become very popular among aquaculture farmers of Bheemavaram and adjoining areas.
Sources told The Hindu that lack of proper monitoring mechanism is leading to frequent rejection of export consignments from India since the past few months. When contacted, Deputy Director of Marine Product Export Development Agency Ansar Ali said since July, the rejection rate was going up.
Export Inspection Agency and MPEDA are the statutory development and regulating authorities. Due to increase in demand for Vannamei, the pickup of brown and pink tiger shrimp caught in the sea has come down leaving the mechanised boat and trawler operators in deep soup.
In a representation to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, the Federation of Indian Fishery Industries (FIFI) has sought meeting of all the stakeholders to discuss the issues pertaining to rejection of large consignments of Vannamei.
Stating that 24 containers were recently rejected by EU, FIFI president Y.G.K. Murti said there was no proper monitoring on usage of antibiotic excess. Chloramphenicol and Nitro furan are used either by hatcheries, seed suppliers or the farms.
Dr. Murti further said that urgent steps were required to overcome the problem in the light of EU ‘blacklisting’ Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour for poor hygiene and sanitation since the past few years and the fear of facing rejections by the US
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