Australia’s final import risk analysis (IRA) report for prawns and prawn products

7 October 2009, Biosecurity Australia reported that the final import risk analysis (IRA) report for prawns and prawn products from all countries has been completed and released.  The summary of the final document are as follows:

1. Removal of risk management measures for haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV)

2. Inclusion of marinated products as a highly processed prawn product, subject to inspection

3. Clarification that risk management measures for

-         white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

-         yellowhead virus (YHV)

-         Taura syndrome virus (TSV)

-         necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium (NHPB), in the case of unfrozen product

4. It is also recommended that imported prawns:

§            be sourced from a country or zone that is recognised by Australia to be free of WSSV, YHV, TSV and NHPB (the last disease agent, for unfrozen product only); or

§            have the head and shell removed (except for the last shell segment and tail fans) and, if not from a disease free source, have each batch tested on arrival with negative results for WSSV, and YHV; or

§            be ‘highly processed’, that is head and shell-off (except for the last shell segment and tail fans), and coated for human consumption by being breaded or battered, marinated in a wet or dry marinade, marinated and placed on skewers or processed into dumpling, spring roll, samosa, roll, ball or dim sum-type product; or

§            be cooked to a standard where all protein is coagulated and no uncooked meat remains.

However, other measures that provide an equivalent level of protection will be considered.

It is notified that stakeholders have 30 days, until 6 November 2009, to lodge an appeal in response to the final IRA report.

Source: 1) http://www.daff.gov.au/ba/ira/current-animal/prawns

              2) Office of Agricultural Affairs, Australia, Royal Thai Embassy Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, THAILAND