April 30, 2010

NZ to review pork import rules

New Zealand's independent expert panel has told Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) to reassess its provisional standards for pig meat imports.

In its review of proposed rules that would allow imports of consumer-ready cuts of uncooked pork from Canada, the EU, Mexico and the US, the panel has questioned MAF's assumptions and scientific reasoning.

It has recommended the ministry looks at 29 deficiencies, including its import risk assessment.

The pork industry asked for the review last year because it feared the standards were not enough to keep the PRRS disease out of New Zealand.

Pork Industry Board CEO Sam McIvor said the board was pleased that the panel has recognised its concerns.

MAF is considering the report and said it will meet pork industry representatives on Friday (Apr 29).

This is the second time an independent review has found fault with MAF's Biosecurity import health standard.

The first was last year on its decision to allow honey and bee product imports from Australia, which the New Zealand bee industry successfully challenged in court.

That review also told MAF to reassess its findings, and that work is continuing.