Australia continues to impose conditions on imported prawns

The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is continuing to implement risk management measures for imported uncooked marinated prawns, including imports from Vietnam, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade said.

Accordingly, prior to exportation to Australia, all batches must be found (post-processing) to be free from white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and yellow head virus (YHV), based on recognised World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) testing measures for demonstrating the absence of disease.

After arriving in Australia, each consignment must undergo a seal intact inspection and testing for WSSV and YHV at an approved laboratory (Agrigen, Advanced Analytical Australia or the Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute).

In addition, authorised agencies in the export country must provide a revised model health certificate, including all required health attestations.

Marinated prawns exported to Australia must meet one of the following two conditions: the first is that the products have had at least the head and shell removed (last shell segment and tail fans permitted) and have been coated in a wet marinade (wet marinade flavour components represent no less than 12% of the total weight of the product); or coated in a dry marinade (<2% of the total weight of the flavour component included in the marinade is liquid and dry marinade flavour components are clearly seen to cover the product); or marinated and placed on skewers (the wet or dry marinade components are clearly seen to cover the product); or marinated, prepared and packaged ready for retail sale (wet or dry marinade components are clearly seen to cover the product).

The second is that the products have had at least the head removed, have been butterflied and meet the conditions for a wet marinade (wet marinade flavour components represent no less than 12% of the total weight of the product) or dry marinade (<2% of the total weight of the flavour component included in the marinade is liquid and dry marinade flavour components are clearly seen to cover the product).

Earlier on January 7, the Australian Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources announced the suspension of prawns and uncooked shelled shrimp imports from Asian nations, amid fears of an outbreak of the white spot disease in Australia. The ban took effect on January 9 and will last for six months.

Vietnam is working to persuade Australia to lift its ban earlier on imports of Vietnamese shrimp and uncooked shelled shrimp.