India is the largest shrimp supplier to the US market, providing 40.8% of all shrimp imports in 2023.
Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL)
The reactions to Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) and Associated Press reports denouncing labor abuses in the Indian shrimp industry have not been delayed, and organizations such as the Global Seafood Alliance or companies like Sysco have taken preventive measures.
In addition, the Southern Shrimp Alliance has urged the members of the US Congress to investigate and take the corresponding actions against the Indian shrimp exporter industry.
On the other hand, the Seafood Exporters Association of India did not miss the opportunity to express their opinion and discomfort about these allegations.
The Global Seafood Alliance has confirmed that it has begun to investigate the shrimp producers in India which hold Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certificates.
Regarding this, CEO Wally Stevens said: "Facilities found to have violated BAP standards will have their certifications suspended and potentially revoked."
The investigation process will be lead by the GSA Program Integrity department with the involvement of specialized and impartial third-party investigators.
"We are committed to our mission of promoting responsible practices in the seafood supply chain and take these matters seriously," Stevens underlined.
Several companies that have been splashed by these issues like Great American Seafood, Rich Products, Walmart, Eastern Fish Company, and Nekkanti Sea Foods have issued statements regarding their specific situation.
In more detail, Sysco has decided to suspend its purchases of shrimp from Nekkanti. The global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products will issue an internal investigation.
US Foods, Aldi, Costco, Hannaford, Kroger, Stop & Shop, Walmart, and Whole Foods, Red Lobster, and the Cheesecake Factory were also named as buying shrimp from Nekkanti Sea Foods, one of India's largest and most respected shrimp exporters.
Contrary to the above, the Seafood Exporters Association of India has confirmed their disagreement with everything published as well as their intention to contact the sources and not having the opportunity for a rebuttal.
"AP left all of that out of the story. They also misleadingly conflate the shrimp exporters we represent with smaller companies that operate only within India’s domestic market, leaving readers with the impression that major exporters are involved in the bad behavior they describe without presenting any evidence that that is the case," a statement reads.
