Intensified Inspections of Veterinary Medical Shops
India's apex drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has called for intensified inspections of veterinary medical shops across states. This action comes in response to the rejection of shrimp exports due to the presence of banned antibiotics.
Problem Background
- Shrimp exports faced a 43% rejection rate in major markets like the US, the European Union, and Japan.
- The rejections were due to the presence of two banned antibiotics: chloramphenicol and nitrofurans.
- These antibiotics were banned in March last year.
- Contamination was traced to over 40 farms in four states, with Andhra Pradesh accounting for 74% of the implicated farms.
CDSCO's Directives
- State authorities are required to report on enforcement actions taken.
- Specific details requested include:
- Mechanisms in place to implement the ban.
- Number of inspections conducted and their outcomes.
- Details of punitive actions initiated or completed against violators.
Reasons for Banning Antibiotics
- Chloramphenicol is banned because even trace residues can cause aplastic anemia in humans.
- Nitrofurans are prohibited due to their carcinogenic potential and persistence in animal tissue.
- Both antibiotics have zero-tolerance limits for seafood imported by the EU, US, and Japan.
Regulatory Actions
- These drugs should be supplied only to licensed manufacturers for authorized purposes.
- Proper stock reconciliation is required.
- Violations are to be prosecuted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules 1945.
