November 28, 2006

Vietnam seeks to ban use and imports of antibiotics for aquaculture

The Vietnam Ministry of Fisheries Minister Ta Quang Ngoc will seek the permission of Prime Minister___ to ban the import and use of antibiotics and other chemicals for aquaculture farming.

In a written request to the Prime Minister, Fishery Minister Ta Quang Ngoc suggested the complete ban of antibiotics use for aquaculture as it has affected major export markets like Japan that once considered total prohibition of Vietnamese seafood exports due to continuous discovery of antibiotics and other chemical substances on its shipments.

The Ministry has also asked the government to accordingly guide the ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry, Public Health and the Customs service in totally banning the control of antibiotics imports.

The Ministry has also requested the Prime Minister hand out strict penalties to those responsible for the trade of the banned chemicals and antibiotics.