The Hindu Business Line : MPEDA convenes meet for controlling harmful residues

Kochi, July 14 In order to further strengthen the role of residue control officers and improve their skills in investigating farms and processing establishments that could be using banned vet drugs such as Nitrofurana, Chloramphenicol, streoids, Stilbenes and other environmental contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) convened a meeting in Kochi. Though the confiscation and destruction of Indian seafood export consignments containing residues of banned substances has come down in the recent past, it used to be reported more frequently earlier.

To ensure that aquaculture exports from India were free from all harmful residues, MPEDA had launched a National Residue Control Programme and had designated an officer from each of its field offices to coordinate all activities relating to residue occurrence. They were meant to investigate cases of residue violations, implement suitable control measures, take corrective action and enable the farmers to make aquaculture products free from such residues.

This was the first meeting of residue control officers that discussed issues such as significance of residue control in aquaculture and its importance in global trade. The progress and difficulties in implementing national residue control measures also came up for discussion. The importance of good aquaculture practices and responsible use of drugs were highlighted. Positive case studies of last year and their follow-ups were analysed to provide a general direction for future course of action.

The meeting helped to understand and discuss the causes of residue occurrence, conduct proper investigations at farms and processing establishments and suggest suitable corrective measures, the MPEDA pointed out. It further created awareness among the residue control officers regarding subjects such as the abuse of antibiotics in aqua farms, the mode under which inspection has to be conducted and the actions that are to be initiated in the event of positive occurrence.

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