December 18, 2006

Thailand to assure Australia its shrimps are disease-free

Thailand's Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry will set up a special screening team to deal with problems of Thai shrimp exported to Australia, according to Minister Thira Sutabutr.

Sutabutr said Australia has recently released a draft import risk analysis (IRA) paper about new standards imposed on shrimp imports. The ministry will set up a committee to prepare information on Thai shrimp and farming standard to be submitted to Biosecurity Australia by February next year.

According to the minister, Thailand will invite officials from Biosecurity Australia to review the hygienic standards and inspect the procedures adopted by shrimp raisers in Thailand.

The fisheries department will assess the situation and look into legal aspects to prevent any trade problems, he said, adding that Thailand's shrimp farms have been upgraded and certified to the CoC standard (Code of Conduct Guideline) to build confidence among shrimp importers.

Thai Fisheries Department deputy director-general Niwat Sutemechaikul said Australia requires certifications to guarantee that Thailand's shrimp products are free from marine diseases.

The department has set up laboratories in all coastal provinces to conduct tests that meet international standards and issue certificates to shrimp producers.

Only one percent of Thai shrimp exported to Australia have previously been found contaminated, he said, which is minor when compared to shrimp products from other countries.