Mexico Shrimp Farmers Helped by El Nino, Belize Recovering from EMS
There is an expectation that farmed shrimp from Mexico will grow to larger-than-normal sizes this year due to El Nino. According to Scott Horton, a shrimp aquaculture expert in Sinaloa, much warmer pond water temperatures have extended the grow-out period for farmers seeking the largest biomass. Farmers are now able to grow shrimp to sizes as large as U-10 or U-12. Meanwhile, John Sackton confirms that most of Belize’s shrimp farming operations from this past summer cycle were wiped out from EMS. However, farmers have taken appropriate management measures to combat the disease that are likely to result in far better production rates next year.
The FDA’s plan for an intensive sampling program for imported foods will not target shrimp next year. For fiscal year 2016, the FDA will sample and test cucumbers and hot peppers. This year FDA shrimp sampling targeted illegal use of Veterinary antibiotics, not microbiological contamination, since shrimp is not a foodstuff linked illness in the US. According to John Sackton, this approach suggests the FDA will continue to focus on intensive sampling of high risk foods with documenteds record of causing illness.
In other news the US State Department is to likely determine if Thai Union Public Group can proceed with a planned acquisition of Bumble Bee Seafoods on December 18. If approved, Thai Union said it would divest its stake in its Chicken of the Sea brand.
Finally, Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski has an aggressive plan to fight AquaBounty’s now FDA-approved genetically engineered AquAdvantage salmon. The Senator will push for mandatory labeling for the GE salmon; block the approval of FDA Commissioner nominee Dr. Robert Califf; and support the retailers that have elected to not sell the salmon. “I will not stand back and just watch these genetically engineered creatures be placed in our kitchens and on our tables without a fight. I am furious about this decision, but now I must do everything I can to make sure it is labeled - consumers have a right to know what it is they are eating,” said Senator Murkowski.
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