Brining much relief to Indian shrimp exporters, Japan
has raised the minimum residual limit (MRL) for Ethoxyquin in shrimps to
0.2 ppm (parts per million). [Ethoxyquin, is a key anti-oxidant used in
shrimp feed.] This had brought a closure to the 18-month long
protracted struggle between Marine Products Export Development Authority
(MPEDA) and the Japanese authorities.
Speaking to
The Hindu
over phone, Leena Nair, Chairperson, MPEDA said, “India has always been
conscious of the limitations of using excessive Ethoxyquin and had
adhered to standards. Japan’s raising the limit is a vindication of
standards India has been following, and is a relief to farmers and
exporters.”
In August 2012, Japan’s Food Safety
Commission had lowered the permissible limit of Ethoxyquin in Shrimp
exports from India and Vietnam to a default level of 0.01 ppm.
The
default standard had led to rejection of consignments from India. MPEDA
had contested the move on grounds that it had no scientific validation
and would adversely affect the farmers.
A statement from MPEDA said the MRL for crustaceans has been fixed at 0.2 ppm.
“The
committee of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has
approved to fix a MRL of 0.2 ppm in crustaceans including farmed shrimp.
The MRL was notified on December 2, 2013 for public comments in Japan,
besides was also placed in WTO,” read the statement.
According to MPEDA, India occupies the third place in shrimp exports to Japan, next only to Vietnam and Indonesia.
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