August 1, 2014

USDA seeks for updated regulations on pork imports from Mexico

The USDA is proposing amendments on regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products from Mexico.

The proposal is part of an effort to define a low-risk classical swine fever region in Mexico from which USDA would allow the importation of pork under certain conditions.

Under the updated rule, pork would have to be derived from swine raised on farms meeting stringent sanitary and biosecurity requirements, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians said. USDA would also provide safeguards against commingling of swine and pork with animals and products which fail to meet the proposed requirements.

Slaughter establishments would have to allow periodic inspection and evaluation of their facilities, records, and operations by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.