The release on 27 March 2018 of the Department of Agriculture & Water’s (DAWR) Biosecurity Advice begins the two year process of reviewing Australia’s Import Risk Assessment (IRA) protocols for prawns. The Biosecurity Advice calls for science and evidence-based submissions into the importation of prawns. The outcomes of this review will have a significant bearing on Australia’s biosecurity going forward but also the marketplace.
The most significant weakness in the importation protocols is considered to be the pathway for imported raw prawns purchased from retailers and illegally used as bait.
IRA review submissions are due by 4 June 2018.
Image credit: Department Agriculture and Fisheries Qld