India Bans Antimicrobials in Aquaculture Sector

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India issued ban on several medically important antimicrobials in the aquaculture sector. This decision was made in consultation with the Export Inspection Council and amended a previous order from 1995. The move aims to combat the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a pressing public health concern linked to the overuse of antibiotics in food-animal production.

Background on Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of medications. This resistance can result from the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in various sectors, including aquaculture. The presence of resistant bacteria in food products poses serious health risks to consumers.

Global Usage Trends

In 2017, approximately 10,259 tonnes of antimicrobials were used globally in aquaculture. Projections suggest this figure could rise to 13,600 tonnes annually by 2030. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest user of these substances in aquaculture, denoting a critical area of concern for global health.

Key Provisions of the Ban

The recent amendment prohibits the use of any antimicrobial medicinal product for growth promotion or yield enhancement in aquaculture. A detailed list of prohibited antibiotics, antivirals, and antiprotozoals was introduced. This list includes 12 classes of antibiotics and six specific antibiotics, all classified by the World Health Organization as medically important for human health.

Historical Context of Antibiotic Regulation

This ban builds on previous regulations. In 2002, 20 pharmacologically active substances were banned, including five antibiotics. The current amendment expands this list, addressing both domestic and export-related concerns about antibiotic usage in aquaculture.

Impact on Indian Aquaculture

India ranks as the third largest fish-producing country globally, contributing around 9% of the world’s fish production. In the financial year 2023-24, India reached record seafood exports of 1.78 million tonnes, valued at $7.38 billion. The primary export items include frozen shrimp, with the United States and China as major importers.

Regulatory Framework and Public Health Measures

Existing policies primarily focus on export-centric fisheries to prevent rejections and ensure smooth trade. However, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India have also imposed bans on various antibiotics for domestic consumption. In 2019, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare prohibited colistin, a last-resort antibiotic, in food-producing animals, further reinforcing public health safety.

Future Directions

The recent ban reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance aquaculture growth with public health imperatives. As India continues to expand its aquaculture sector, ongoing regulatory measures will be crucial in mitigating the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health and food safety.
2. What are the implications of antibiotic bans in aquaculture for global trade? Discuss with examples.
3. Estimate the role of the aquaculture sector in India’s economy and its significance for food security.
4. Point out the measures taken by the Government of India to address antimicrobial resistance in food production. How effective are these measures?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health and food safety.

1. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leads to treatment failures, causing prolonged illnesses and increased mortality rates.
2. Resistant bacteria can spread through the food chain, contaminating meat, milk, and fish products.
3. AMR increases healthcare costs due to the need for more expensive or prolonged treatments.
4. Public health systems may become overwhelmed, leading to a resurgence of previously controlled infections.
5. Food safety concerns arise as consumers face risks from contaminated food products, undermining trust in food systems.

2. What are the implications of antibiotic bans in aquaculture for global trade? Discuss with examples.

1. Bans may hinder exports from countries reliant on aquaculture, affecting economies like India’s, which exports seafood volumes.
2. Export markets may demand compliance with international standards, influencing domestic production practices.
3. Countries with stringent regulations may gain competitive advantages, while non-compliant nations risk trade rejections.
4. Examples include the U.S. and EU, which have strict import standards, impacting countries like India that export seafood.
5. Long-term, these bans may promote sustainable practices, enhancing global food safety and public health outcomes.

3. Estimate the role of the aquaculture sector in India’s economy and its significance for food security.

1. India is the third largest fish producer globally, contributing about 9% to global fish production.
2. The aquaculture sector is vital for employment, providing livelihoods for millions in rural areas.
3. In FY 2023-24, India exported 1.78 million tonnes of seafood, valued at $7.38 billion, denoting its economic importance.
4. Aquaculture supports food security by providing affordable protein sources to the population.
5. The sector’s growth is essential for meeting rising domestic and international demand for seafood.

4. Point out the measures taken by the Government of India to address antimicrobial resistance in food production. How effective are these measures?

1. The Union Ministry of Commerce banned several medically important antimicrobials in aquaculture to combat AMR.
2. Previous regulations, including the 2002 ban on 20 pharmacologically active substances, laid the groundwork for current measures.
3. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India imposed bans on antibiotics across all animal-derived foods, enhancing food safety.
4. Prohibiting colistin in food-producing animals reinforces public health safety and reduces AMR risks.
5. Effectiveness is seen in improved compliance with international standards, but ongoing monitoring and enforcement are crucial for lasting impact.