USMEF Board Of Directors Meeting & International Buyers Conference, May 2...
Brochure and Registration Form USMEF International Buyers Conference Product Showcase Registration Kit Unofficial Translation of NOM - NMX-FF-081-SCFI-2003
Newly Published Mexican Norm Applicable to Pork Products, Carcasses, and Pork Fresh-grading.
Mexico
New Bacteria Regulation Threatens Delays
A new regulation published by the Mexican Secretariat of Health specifying which meat products would be tested for Salmonella, E. Coli, Staphylococcus, and botulism has sparked concern that new certification procedures associated with the rule will cause problems for U.S. exporters.
From tomorrow (April 1), importers must obtain an import permit from the Secretariat of Health. To do so, importers will be required to submit a document with the following information provided by the exporter:
1. A health certificate
2. An original label
3. A label in Spanish
4. An invoice or pro-forma invoice
5. Receipt of payment of the certification fee (original and 2 copies)
The health certificate is required to verify that the product meets USDA-FSIS requirements, and that the processor complies with good hygiene and sanitation practices and the appropriate laboratory analysis for the type of product.
This system will not replace the existing SAGARPA permit system, but is a parallel system to allow for the inspection of meat for bacteria. There appear to be no provisions for cargos that are in transit, nor do there appear to be any specific written instructions outlining the new requirements.
USMEF and the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) are monitoring the situation closely. The health ministry does not currently have sufficient numbers of inspectors to conduct widespread inspections. USMEF-Mexico will remain in close contact with the U.S. Embassy, the Mexican Meat Council and the National Retailers Association (ANTAD) to follow up on the issue.
Exporters should work very closely with their importers and/or forwarders to ensure that all paperwork is in order.