India’s shrimp exports have come under scrutiny after consignments were rejected by authorities in the United States and the European Union due to the detection of banned antibiotic residues, the government informed Parliament.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, several shipments of shrimp were flagged during routine food safety checks carried out by regulators in the two markets. Tests revealed the presence of antibiotics that are prohibited in aquaculture products intended for human consumption.
The government said such rejections occur when importing countries detect residues of substances that do not comply with their food safety standards. Export consignments failing these tests are either rejected at the border or destroyed in line with the importing nation’s regulations.
Officials noted that Indian authorities have stepped up monitoring and testing of seafood exports to ensure compliance with international safety requirements. Exporters are also being advised to strictly follow guidelines on the use of veterinary drugs in aquaculture to avoid contamination.
India is one of the world’s largest exporters of shrimp, with the United States and the European Union among its key markets. Any disruption due to regulatory issues in these destinations could affect shipments and exporters’ earnings.
The government said efforts are underway to strengthen traceability systems and improve awareness among shrimp farmers and exporters to prevent the use of banned antibiotics and maintain the quality standards required in global markets.