February 10, 2014

Russia approves import of pork products from EU

Russia has approved the import of pork products from the EU provided a number of conditions are complied with, after African swine fever (ASF) was recently reported in Lithunia.

The letter stated that due to the detection of African swine fever (ASF) in the territory of the EU and in view of harmonising approaches to animal product safety, and according to Council Directive 2002/99/EC of December 16, 2002 establishing animal health standards regulating production, procession, distribution and placing on the market of animal products intended for human consumption, finished pork products or products containing pork, raw material of animal origin (of porcine origin) intended for the production of feed for pets and fur animals from February 6, 2014 can be supplied from the EU plants to Russia only provided a number of conditions are complied with.

Thus, an addendum must be attached to the animal health certificate accompanying each consignment of finished products, containing raw material of animal origin and canned meat, sausages and other ready-to-eat meat products, as well as raw material of animal origin (of porcine origin) intended for the production of feed for pets and fur animals.

Finished pork products or products containing pork, as well as raw material of animal origin (of porcine origin) intended for the production of feed for pets and fur animals exported to the Russian Federation were subject to one of the following treatments: (1) heat treatment in a hermetically sealed container at F0 of ≥ 3.00 (F0 - estimated damaging effect of heat on microorganisms; (2) heat treatment at a core meat temperature of at least 80°C; (3) heat treatment in a hermetically sealed container at 60°C during at least 4 hours with a core meat temperature of at least 70°C maintained during 30 minutes; and (4) natural fermentation and maturation for at least nine months for boneless meat.

These guarantees must be signed and stamped by the official veterinarian of an EU member issued the animal health certificate and the addendum must have the same date and number as the animal health certificate.

The procedure will be in force until the EU measures for ASF zoning and regionalisation are taken with the zones to be established according to the provisions of the World Organisations for Animal Health Code and Memorandums on zoning and regionalisation for animal health purposes signed by Russia and EU in 2006.