October 27, 2010

Turkey clarifies safety of meat and livestock imports

Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs denied allegations that livestock and meat products imported from other countries carried risks of several diseases.

Muzaffer Aydemir, director-general for protection and control, said they imported meat products and livestock after they checked birth and health certificates.

"There is not any risk of disease in meat products and livestock imported from the EU member countries and from other countries. There are veterinarians officially charged in those countries. They carry out the necessary controls. Also, strict measures have been taken at customs gates to eliminate risks of any diseases including mad cow disease," he said.

"We do not allow import of meat products before they are tested for hormones, residues and mad cow disease. On the other hand, we restricted the number of countries in livestock import in line with the scientific criteria set by the World Organisation for Animal Health," he added

Turkey imports livestock from Sweden, Norway and Uruguay as there is not any risk of disease in those countries, he said.