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New Zealand
Draft Health Standards Address Import Risks Of PRRS Virus
On Monday (Nov. 12), MAF Biosecurity New Zealand issued draft health standards for pork imports from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the European Union based on a risk analysis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus in pigs.
While currently, the United States and Canada can only export pork products that have been heat treated, cured within specific pH parameters or will be heat treated or cured in a designated “transitional facility” immediately upon arrival in New Zealand, the new draft protocols allow for the import of ready to cook, high value cuts packaged either for direct retail sale or use by foodservice operators.
The draft standards take into account research and results from Canada and the European Food Safety Authority that indicate that the risk of spreading PRRS through imported pork is extremely low. The key conclusion from the most recent risk assessment conducted by New Zealand authorities is the greatest risk comes from imported trimmings containing the PRRS virus that are then fed to New Zealand domestic swine. Because of this, the draft standards include provisions for controlling trimmings from imported products.
USMEF supports the implementation of these standards because they are based on scientific principles and will allow greater access to pork products.
Industries have until Feb. 18, 2008 to submit comments on the four proposed import standards. Details on the consultation process and the draft Import Heath Standards are available at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/strategy-and-consultation/consultation/pig-meat-ihs
USMEF will be preparing comments and welcomes comments from members. Please provide any suggested comments to USMEF Director, Export Services Kevin Smith at ksmith@usmef.org. Additionally, members are welcome to provide individual comments to:
Vivian Dalley
Border Standards
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
P.O. Box 2526
Wellington
E-mail comments to: vivian.dalley@maf.govt.nz
New Zealand
Draft Health Standards Address Import Risks Of PRRS Virus
On Monday (Nov. 12), MAF Biosecurity New Zealand issued draft health standards for pork imports from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the European Union based on a risk analysis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus in pigs.
While currently, the United States and Canada can only export pork products that have been heat treated, cured within specific pH parameters or will be heat treated or cured in a designated “transitional facility” immediately upon arrival in New Zealand, the new draft protocols allow for the import of ready to cook, high value cuts packaged either for direct retail sale or use by foodservice operators.
The draft standards take into account research and results from Canada and the European Food Safety Authority that indicate that the risk of spreading PRRS through imported pork is extremely low. The key conclusion from the most recent risk assessment conducted by New Zealand authorities is the greatest risk comes from imported trimmings containing the PRRS virus that are then fed to New Zealand domestic swine. Because of this, the draft standards include provisions for controlling trimmings from imported products.
USMEF supports the implementation of these standards because they are based on scientific principles and will allow greater access to pork products.
Industries have until Feb. 18, 2008 to submit comments on the four proposed import standards. Details on the consultation process and the draft Import Heath Standards are available at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/strategy-and-consultation/consultation/pig-meat-ihs
USMEF will be preparing comments and welcomes comments from members. Please provide any suggested comments to USMEF Director, Export Services Kevin Smith at ksmith@usmef.org. Additionally, members are welcome to provide individual comments to:
Vivian Dalley
Border Standards
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
P.O. Box 2526
Wellington
E-mail comments to: vivian.dalley@maf.govt.nz