September 9, 2008

Mexico is expected to resume meat exports to the US as early as this week, according to Eugenio Salinas, Meat Council President.

Salinas said the Mexican government has told the council it could begin issuing export permits as of this week.

Last week, Mexico voluntarily suspended meat exports to the US after US officials detected safety issues at several Mexican meat plants.

US inspectors found systemic problems with sanitation controls and record-keeping during an annual audit that took place in Mexico between June 24-31, according to the USDA.

Salinas said the US inspectors are currently in Mexico to check if the problems have been solved.

Mexico produces 1.6 million tonnes of meat per year, mostly for domestic consumption. It exports about 20,000 tonne of meat to the US annually.