Concerned about domestic consumption, VASEP has asked for a review of regulations on maxiumum residue limits for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in seafood products.—VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY— Seafood enterprises have promoted seafood products in the domestic market but are faced with strict residue limits for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, which are restricted for use in aquatic production and trade.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to issue regulations on maximum residue limits allowed for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.

According to department regulations, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are on the list of "chemicals and antibiotics banned for use in aquatic animal production". However, the department has not regulated the minimum required limit for these chemicals.

This has caused problems for enterprises that produce and trade in the domestic market.

According to VASEP, in the first four months of this year, the country’s seafood exports reached US$2.43 billion, a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. Domestic consumption is very important to ensure stability for the fisheries sector, it said. — VNS