May 10, 2006

Bangladesh to investigate contaminated shrimp shipments to EU

Authorities in Bangladesh are launching investigations into shrimp contamination following a complaint from the EU.

In a letter to the Department of Fisheries, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Commission (EC) in Bangladesh Stefan Frowein said shrimp exported by two seafood companies to the EU was contaminated with nitro-furan metabolite nitro-furazone.

The companies were M/S Lockpur Fish Processing Company Ltd and M/S National Seafood Industries Ltd.

The health and consumer protection directorate general office of the EC has confirmed that the chemicals poses risks to public health.

Bangladesh's department of fisheries has formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident.

The department said the two exporters may have their export licences temporarily suspended if they were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation.