December 18, 2003

Namibian Meat Allowed Back in EU

Yesterday, the Namibian agricultural authorities announced the resumption of beef and mutton exports to the European Union, with effect from Friday.

On November 24, the exports were halted after veterinarians found shortcomings during an inspection of abattoirs in the southwest African country.

"Suspension of certification of animal products to the EU by the directory of veterinary services is uplifted by the directorate as from Friday, December 19, 2003", the ministry of agriculture said in a statement.

On average, Namibia exports 10,000 tons of meat to the EU annually, bringing 900 million Namibian dollars (140 million US/117 million euros) in revenue.