April 8, 2008

APHIS to amend pork import regulations
 

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced its amendment of pork import regulations in relation to classical swine fever (CSF).

The regulations would allow raw pork and pork products to be processed in CSF regions, but only if the pork originates from a CSF-free area. That is to prevent contamination, and the processing facilities must be assessed and approved by APHIS.

The amendments are mostly intended to apply to US raw pork and pork products that are processed in Mexico before returning to the US.

All shipments to and from CSF-affected regions must have a detailed certificate and sent in sealed, serial numbered containers.

CSF or hog cholera, is a highly contagious swine disease that was stamped out from the US in 1978 after a 16-year battle.