Oxytetracycline Residues in Farmed Shrimp: The Re-emerging Threatening Issue to Human Health and Economics

Abstract

     Drug residues in food entering international trade caused panic to consumers, health dindustry. In 1992 several frozen farmed shrimp consignments from Thailand were rejected by Japanese quarantine stations due to contamination of antimicrobial agent residues. This study was an attemp to seek for appropriate solutions to cope with the problems of an antimicrobial agent residue-oxytetracycline in cultured shrimp. Scientific data generation and gathering of technical information were performed. Planning was made for short-term and longterm resolutions. Information concerning the use and toxicoligical study of oxytetracycline was also reviewed. Recommendations for setting up an international Code of Hygienic Practice for Aquaculture and a worldwide maximum level of oxytetracycline residues in farmed shrimp were made.