December 16, 2003

Further Assessment Needed For Uruguayan Beef Export

According to the World Beef Report, a Mexican representative last week conducted an audit on the Uruguayan meat sector and was reportedly satisfied with his findings.  

The report will be presented to the Mexican Risk Analysis Commission for further study.  However, a number of obstacles need to be overcome before approval for the export of Uruguay beef to Mexico is granted.

Uruguay's "FMD free with vaccination" status as declared by the Office International des Epizooties in May 2003 does not satisfy Mexican law.  Rather, "FMD free without vaccination" status is required - the same that is required in Japan and South Korea - unless the legislation is reviewed and altered. 

Alternatively, a second mission may visit Uruguay and certify individual processors or offer a provisional permit to those exporters who are currently eligible to export to the US and EU.