August 26, 2005

USDA: Mexico's food and agricultural import regulations and standards

Mexico's Secretariat of Health will implement regulation numbers 213 and 194 on September 11 and 18 respectively.

The regulations establish requirements and standards for Mexico's municipal slaughter plants and the production of both raw and processed meats, but certain provisions will also be applied to imported meats as well as products produced at plants inspected by the Secretariat of Agriculture.  

Of particular concern is a standard of 'absent' for the presence of Salmonella in uncooked meats. 

While Government of Mexico officials have tried to downplay the effects of this standard on trade, it could result in the delistment of U.S. meat plants on the occasions when it is applied and samples are found to be positive for Salmonella.

For the full USDA report, click here.