Shrimp Imports From India are Now Temporarily Banned in Saudi Arabia

Shrimp imports from India have been temporarily banned by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) after the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) was found in frozen Indian shrimp.

The penaeid shrimp are infected with a virus that causes white spot illness. The disease is very infectious and fatal, swiftly killing shrimp. However, it does not endanger the safety of food or human health.
 

In order to prevent the WSSV from spreading to Saudi Arabia's fisheries, the SFDA declared that the restriction would remain in effect until the Indian side provided acceptable assurances for the security of the items shipped to the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture was instructed to gather samples of marine goods, including shrimp imported through border crossings, the authorities said in a statement.