July 25, 2012

China imposes ban on beef from Myanmar

China has ceased beef imports from Myanmar in mid-July after uncovering foot and mouth disease (FMD) in beef products from the country, according to a Myanmar Livestock Federation official.

The Chinese government informed Myanmar that its beef exports had been banned under the Animals, Floral, Fruits and Diseases Control Law, said Win Sein, vice chairman of the Myanmar Livestock Federation.

However, he said there is some confusion as to what products are covered under for the ban. In international trade, a risk of foot and mouth disease "is tolerable" in frozen meat and meat products, he said. But under a World Organisation of Animal Health rule, hides must be "free of infectious diseases in manufacturing chemical leather tanning processes."