AH1N1 hinders Indonesian poultry exports

 

 

Export of Indonesia's poultry processed products to European countries is hindered by AH1N1 virus issue, an official said on Monday (June 21).

 

Indonesian Poultry Society Forum coordinator Don P. Utoyo said lobby of government-to-government (G-to-G) is required as Indonesian poultry processed products are safe to be consumed as they are well-cooked.

 

Indonesian poultry producers are focusing on exporting their products to the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (Asean), Asia-Pacific countries as well as the US, Don said. 

 

Indonesia could imitate Malaysia that is successful in making a specific system so that the country could declare itself as free of the virus. Asean countries have similar food taste and Indonesia should take advantage of its flavour that is better compared to other countries, according to him.

 

He said that cooperation among all stakeholders - the government, researchers, business sector, the press and public - is very important to encourage the sector to export its products. 

 

Indonesian Poultry Society chairman Desyanto Budi Utomo said that foreign countries should not be doubtful about the safety of Indonesian poultry processed food. 

 

However, currently only West Kalimantan province is declared to be free from the virus, Don said. "We have to seize the opportunity by developing poultry industry in the province and exporting the products," he said.