Mexico Bans Shrimp Imports from Asia

The National Service of Health, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA) reported that this precautionary measure is due to the presence of Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in those countries which is affecting the shrimp industries.

The syndrome, which causes mass mortality of crustaceans first appeared in southern China and then spread to Viet Nam, Malaysia and Thailand. This disease manifests itself in the top 20 or 30 days from sowing.

In order to prevent this disease manifesting in Mexico, shrimp must be certified that they are sourced from regions free of the syndrome.

According to the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), closing the market to these countries should not affect the domestic market as only 9,000 tons are imported from the affected countries per year and this can be absorbed by local aquaculture.

Mexico currently has 382,000 farms located in the northwestern states of Mexico.

To read more information on EMS and how to prevent please click here.