January 21, 2009

Indonesia's PT Central Proteina Prima (CP Prima) is included on the warning list by the EU Commission after its shrimps exported to England are imposed with the rapid alert system (RAS).

The RAS which has been confirmed by the company is imposed on 400 kilogrammes of exported processed shrimp a month ago when they were indicated of containing anti-biotic.

EU's Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DMAF) minister, Freddy Numberi revealed the largest integrated shrimp farm in Asia recorded the RAS incident, which prohibited the company from exporting shrimps before making clarification.

CP Prima corporate communication manager, Fajar I. Reksoprodjo said the suspension was lifted after it clarified the mistake to the ministry and the EU, adding it had been allowed to resume exports after a week of suspension ending on January 12.

DMAF Standardisation and Accreditation director, Nazori Djazuli said there are two RAS incidents, the first one alleges the shrimps of containing nitrofuran but there was a miscommunication between the lab in England and the EU Commission, and the EU has issued warning while the lab result, which is negative, has yet been out.

The second one, continued Djazuli, alleged CP Prima's shrimps of containing cloramfenicol. After investigation, the substance came from skewer used in presenting the processed product.

Fajar disclosed the company took action by replacing the skewer supplier to ensure the safety of the export shrimps.

Export products imposed with the RAS are considered not meeting the food quality and safety standards, so products may be rejected or destroyed by the importing countries.

Earlier CP Prima was accused by the US Customs of trans-shipping shrimps from China, a charge denied by the company.