April 22, 2008

Finland poultry industry hurt by broiler imports
 

Imported broilers have taken a foothold in Finnish restaurants and catering sector, which undermines the profitability of domestic poultry producers.

Imported broilers from Brazil are sold at a cheaper price but Finnish broilers have managed to hold on.

Brazilian broilers may have lower quality and safety when compared to the Finnish production chain that is able to keep salmonella in check, according to Lea Lastikka, executive manager of Finland's Poultry Association.

It is also suggested that imported broilers should be labelled as such when sold under domestic brands.

Broiler imports have dealt a blow to the competitiveness of domestic production, said Lastikka.

The EU currently do not approve of treating poultry with chlorinated water after slaughter, which would reduce surface contamination. However, should the EU approve of the practise, large amount of poultry imports from the US to the EU is expected, which would hurt EU poultry producers.