The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Khulna

A shrimp exporting firm was closed and its license cancelled on October 17 last on charge of exporting shrimp abroad mixing with injurious chemical for human body.

The license of Modern Sea Food was cancelled and its office shut down following a letter from the DG office of Fisheries and Livestock Department in the capital faxed here on the day.

Managing Director of Modern Sea Food Rezaul Kabir and president of Frozen Food Exporters' Association Kazi Belayet Hossain confirmed it.

Fish inspection and quality control local office said Modern Sea Food had exported one container frozen fish valued at Tk 1.50 crore through Mongla port to Belgium in last August.

The authorities in Belgium after check up found the presence of nitrofuran, a harmful chemical for human body, in the exported fish.

Being informed of the matter by Belgium authorities, a six-member team of Fisheries and Livestock Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Parikkhit Datta Chowdhury, arrived here on October 6 for inspection and later submitted a report to the ministry.

An allegation was also raised that the company exported the fish after managing quality control certificate by fraudulent means.

Later, the ministry issued a show cause notice to the company and cancelled its license as its reply was unsatisfactory.

Modern Sea Food was given national award for shrimp export this year.