The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released comprehensive data shedding light on seafood entry line refusals for the month of February, with a notable focus on shrimp shipments. Among the 48 seafood entry line refusals documented, a significant 20.8% were attributed to shrimp shipments failing to meet standards due to the presence of banned antibiotics.

February’s Findings

The detailed report indicates that in February alone, ten entry lines of shrimp were refused due to concerns regarding banned antibiotics. These rejections encompass shipments from six exporters across four different countries: India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

India

• Calcutta Seafoods Pvt. Ltd.: Two entry lines of shrimp were refused for contamination with nitrofurans and veterinary drug residues on February 16, 2024.
• Devi Seafoods Limited: Devi Seafoods faced refusal for similar reasons, with one entry line refused on February 16, 2024, and another on February 23, 2024.
• Kader Exports Private Limited, Unit 04: Two entry lines were refused for contamination with nitrofurans and veterinary drug residues on February 23, 2024.

Vietnam

• Fimex Vn (Vietnam): One entry line was refused for contamination with chloramphenicol on February 5, 2024, and another on February 28, 2024.

Thailand

• Thai Union Group Public Company Limited: Facing refusal for ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole contamination, Thai Union had one entry line refused on February 15, 2024.

Japan

• Tokoro Fisheries Cooperative Association: Remarkably, Tokoro Fisheries faced its first-ever refusal of a shrimp entry line due to banned antibiotics on February 6, 2024.

Historical Context

The Southern Shrimp Alliance’s database provides insight into the FDA’s long-standing vigilance regarding shrimp shipments. Dating back to 2002, instances of refusals due to veterinary drug residues have been recorded. Notably, February’s refusal of a shrimp entry line from Tokoro Fisheries Cooperative Association marks the first time Japan has been implicated for banned antibiotics.