India claims a robust regulatory framework for its 548 seafood units, affirming its commitment to safety and quality in the fish processing sector. The Commerce Ministry emphasized that these facilities undergo regular inspections and monitoring by various government agencies to uphold standards.
The statement from the ministry comes amidst recent reports raising concerns about food safety and labour conditions within the Indian shrimp industry. It clarified that all seafood units are registered with key regulatory bodies such as the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ensuring compliance with national laws.
The ministry also highlighted the registration of shrimp hatcheries and aquaculture farms with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) and State Fisheries Departments, bolstering traceability systems, and adherence to international regulatory provisions like the Seafood Import Monitoring Programme (SIMP) of the US.
To promote safety, the ministry noted the ban on pharmacologically active substances in aquaculture since 2002 and the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)-based food safety management systems. Additionally, stringent monitoring measures, including the National Residue Control Plan and pre-export checks, ensure the exclusion of food safety hazards from the product value chain.
The ministry underscored its commitment to worker welfare through extensive training programs on sanitary practices and food safety hazards. Entities involved in seafood processing are obligated to follow labour welfare laws prescribed by union and state governments.
India’s steadfast commitment to producing quality seafood is evident in its record exports, reaching 17,35,286 tonnes worth Rs 63,969.14 crore (USD 8.09 billion) during the 2022–23 fiscal year. Frozen shrimp remains a significant export item, with the US and China emerging as major importers.
The ministry refuted allegations against the Indian shrimp farming and processing sector, highlighting India’s adherence to sustainable practices and stringent regulatory standards to meet domestic and international market demand for safe and high-quality seafood products.