India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed state authorities to enhance inspections of veterinary medical shops after shrimp exports faced a staggering 43% rejection rate in key markets, including the United States, the European Union, and Japan. This alarming situation arose due to the detection of two banned antibiotics, chloramphenicol and nitrofurans, in shrimp consignments. Despite a ban on these substances implemented in March 2022, residues have been found in shrimp from over 40 farms across four states, with Andhra Pradesh being the most affected, contributing 74% of the cases. The CDSCO's directive includes a requirement for states to provide detailed reports on their inspection processes, the outcomes of these inspections, and any punitive actions taken against those violating the ban. Both chloramphenicol and nitrofurans are prohibited due to serious health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects and aplastic anaemia in humans. The CDSCO has emphasized that these drugs should only be supplied to licensed manufacturers for authorized uses, and violations will be prosecuted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and associated rules.