Following the outbreak of bird flu in several countries, new regulations have been introduced for the import of red meat, poultry and associated products like egg as a precautionary measure against the spread of the disease.
A prior permit from the animal resources department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has been made mandatory for the import of such products, the Ministry of Public Health said yesterday. The new rule will come into force from March 1.
The joint committee for monitoring human food at the ministry in its last meeting decided to introduce the new procedures, which include obliging importers to get a prior permit or licence from the animal resources department to import any type of meat or meat product- either chilled or frozen- poultry and eggs.
The special permit has been made mandatory due to the epidemiological situation in several source countries and the outbreak of bird flu in Europe and Japan, said a ministry statement, adding that the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to ensure that the requirement is strictly followed.
“The new procedures aim to enhance safety requirements of imported meat, ease the product movement and find a single reference point to be sure about the epidemiological situation related to animals in the country of origin,” said the statement. In this context, the Ministry of Public Health has sent a circular to all entry points in the country related to implementing the procedures. Traders and importers have also been informed about the new requirement.
The ministry inspectors will monitor the imported food at entry points according to law No. 8 of 1990 regulating food monitoring amended by the Law No 4 of 2014 to ensure all shipments meet the specifications, before giving the final approval. The permit from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment will be the initial requirement for checking.
