Combo Packaging Issue Shows Progress, But Work Continues
Combo Packaging Issue Shows Progress, But Work Continues
Negotiations between the United States and Mexico on the combo packaging issue have shown progress, but USMEF is still working closely with officials from both governments to reach an acceptable solution.
Large quantities of U.S. pork and some U.S. beef are shipped to Mexico in combo containers, which have proven to be an efficient and effective packaging method. In December, however, Mexico announced its intention to ban all incoming meat shipments in combo containers effective January 15. Mexico later revised this policy change by only prohibiting the use of combo containers for frozen meat. Fresh and chilled meats shipped in combo containers are still being accepted in Mexico, but these shipments are scheduled to undergo a change in inspection procedures on April 20.
Under the proposed change, products from the top, bottom and middle of each combo bin would require inspection. According to Chad Russell, USMEF regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic, this type of inspection creates significant obstacles because of the time and resources required, and the potential for damaging the product.
“While nothing has been issued officially yet, we are very hopeful that a further postponement of these changes in inspection procedures will be announced soon,” Russell said. “We have explained to Mexico’s officials how this could create serious problems for its companies that import meat. Also, if Mexico wants to incorporate new technology or new equipment into these inspection procedures, they need to give their inspection points more time to prepare.”
One reason for progress in the discussions with Mexico is that USMEF and U.S. trade officials have raised awareness of how combo bins are actually used. An aspect of this effort was a five-minute video prepared by USMEF, which displayed and explained the methods by which U.S. pork is prepared, sorted and loaded into combo bins at U.S. processing plants.
A video prepared by USMEF shows officials from Mexico
the process involved in sorting and loading hams in combo bins
“USMEF received very positive feedback on the video from the officials in Mexico that reviewed it,” Russell said. “It was very effective in showing how products are sorted on the production line and how combo bins are filled. There is absolutely no difference in the products that are loaded in the bottom, top or middle of the container, which was one of the concerns that had been previously raised.”
Another positive development took place recently when a Mexican delegation led by Arturo Calderón Ruanova, SENASICA-SAGARPA’s general director of phyto-zoosanitary inspection, visited U.S. and Canadian facilities for a first-hand look at inspecting, packaging and shipping procedures. While no formal announcements have emerged yet from this tour, it allowed officials from Mexico to gain a better understanding of the safety measures that are in place and the difficulties involved in inspecting 100 percent of combo bins and their contents.
With approximately 80 percent of the pork and 10 percent of the beef exported from the United States to Mexico being shipped in combo bins, Russell says it is essential that a solution is reached that addresses Mexico’s concerns without adding undue costs and obstacles to industry shipping practices.
“It would have a huge impact on the U.S. industry if Mexico would either ban the use of combo bins or establish inspection procedures that create unreasonable burdens and delays,” Russell said. “Our recent discussions have been very encouraging, but with Mexico being our No. 1 (combined) destination for U.S. beef and pork it is important that we continue to communicate and make progress toward the right solution.”
Chile Now Open to Exports of Under-30-Month Boneless Beef
On April 6, the FSIS Library of Export Requirements was updated for Chile, clearing the way for resumption of U.S. beef exports. The certification and labeling requirements were updated to allow for export of boneless beef from cattle less than thirty months of age.
Exporters should note that the USDA quality grade designation and its equivalent Chilean grade designation must be included in the “Product as Labeled” entry on the FSIS 9060-5, effective April 6, 2009. The actual product label must also include this grade information. Further details can be found online in the Export Library.
Additional changes with regard to beef trade with Chile are anticipated soon, and work continues on the possible inclusion of bone-in products. But for the time being, exports are limited to boneless beef from cattle less than thirty months of age. For further assistance, please contact Courtney Heller at 303-623-6328 or cheller@usmef.org.
Combo Packaging Issue Shows Progress, But Work Continues
Negotiations between the United States and Mexico on the combo packaging issue have shown progress, but USMEF is still working closely with officials from both governments to reach an acceptable solution.
Large quantities of U.S. pork and some U.S. beef are shipped to Mexico in combo containers, which have proven to be an efficient and effective packaging method. In December, however, Mexico announced its intention to ban all incoming meat shipments in combo containers effective January 15. Mexico later revised this policy change by only prohibiting the use of combo containers for frozen meat. Fresh and chilled meats shipped in combo containers are still being accepted in Mexico, but these shipments are scheduled to undergo a change in inspection procedures on April 20.
Under the proposed change, products from the top, bottom and middle of each combo bin would require inspection. According to Chad Russell, USMEF regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic, this type of inspection creates significant obstacles because of the time and resources required, and the potential for damaging the product.
“While nothing has been issued officially yet, we are very hopeful that a further postponement of these changes in inspection procedures will be announced soon,” Russell said. “We have explained to Mexico’s officials how this could create serious problems for its companies that import meat. Also, if Mexico wants to incorporate new technology or new equipment into these inspection procedures, they need to give their inspection points more time to prepare.”
One reason for progress in the discussions with Mexico is that USMEF and U.S. trade officials have raised awareness of how combo bins are actually used. An aspect of this effort was a five-minute video prepared by USMEF, which displayed and explained the methods by which U.S. pork is prepared, sorted and loaded into combo bins at U.S. processing plants.
A video prepared by USMEF shows officials from Mexico
the process involved in sorting and loading hams in combo bins
“USMEF received very positive feedback on the video from the officials in Mexico that reviewed it,” Russell said. “It was very effective in showing how products are sorted on the production line and how combo bins are filled. There is absolutely no difference in the products that are loaded in the bottom, top or middle of the container, which was one of the concerns that had been previously raised.”
Another positive development took place recently when a Mexican delegation led by Arturo Calderón Ruanova, SENASICA-SAGARPA’s general director of phyto-zoosanitary inspection, visited U.S. and Canadian facilities for a first-hand look at inspecting, packaging and shipping procedures. While no formal announcements have emerged yet from this tour, it allowed officials from Mexico to gain a better understanding of the safety measures that are in place and the difficulties involved in inspecting 100 percent of combo bins and their contents.
With approximately 80 percent of the pork and 10 percent of the beef exported from the United States to Mexico being shipped in combo bins, Russell says it is essential that a solution is reached that addresses Mexico’s concerns without adding undue costs and obstacles to industry shipping practices.
“It would have a huge impact on the U.S. industry if Mexico would either ban the use of combo bins or establish inspection procedures that create unreasonable burdens and delays,” Russell said. “Our recent discussions have been very encouraging, but with Mexico being our No. 1 (combined) destination for U.S. beef and pork it is important that we continue to communicate and make progress toward the right solution.”
Chile Now Open to Exports of Under-30-Month Boneless Beef
On April 6, the FSIS Library of Export Requirements was updated for Chile, clearing the way for resumption of U.S. beef exports. The certification and labeling requirements were updated to allow for export of boneless beef from cattle less than thirty months of age.
Exporters should note that the USDA quality grade designation and its equivalent Chilean grade designation must be included in the “Product as Labeled” entry on the FSIS 9060-5, effective April 6, 2009. The actual product label must also include this grade information. Further details can be found online in the Export Library.
Additional changes with regard to beef trade with Chile are anticipated soon, and work continues on the possible inclusion of bone-in products. But for the time being, exports are limited to boneless beef from cattle less than thirty months of age. For further assistance, please contact Courtney Heller at 303-623-6328 or cheller@usmef.org.