March 9, 2004

Switzerland Partially Lifts Ban On China Chicken Imports

Switzerland will partially lift its ban on Chinese chicken imports in place since February 27 as a result of excessive traces of antibiotics found in the poultry meat.

The Swiss Federal Health and Veterinary Offices said the decision followed tests and stepped-up safety measures. "The goods that were seized are again on the market under certain very strict conditions," the two departments said in a joint statement.

Out of 292 samples tested from 13 different countries since mid-February, including 132 from China, 11 were found to include excessive traces of chloramphenicol and enrofloxacine, the statement said.

Seven of the 11 positive results came from China. Suppliers of goods that passed the test will be able to continue to import chicken but the ban will remain in place for suppliers of goods that were found to have excessive traces of antibiotics, the statement said.

Random testing will in future be carried out on the domestic market and on Switzerland's border, the two departments said.