India has declared itself bird flu free 2 months ago. Indian poultry products have started to be exported again. Now, Bhutan has lifted the ban. It will take another few weeks for Indian chicken and eggs to come to Bhutan.
I am happy that Bhutanese government is trying to set up a strict standard about importing poultry products. Kuenselonline.com wrote:
“But imports must follow stringent precautionary conditions aimed to minimise the risk of egg and poultry meat-borne zoonotic diseases from entering the country.
Poultry import will not be allowed from the ‘wet’ market. Instead, according to the conditions set all poultry meat must be processed and packed in tamper proof and transparent food grade plastic packets bearing expiry date, approximate weight and seal of hazard analysis critical control point (HCCAP) and safe quality food (SQF). It should be processed from a Government of India certified firm and recognised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Export Council India.
Only whole dressed chicken (without the head, feet and internal organs) and portion chicken will be allowed to be imported in sealed and refrigerated vehicles by the firm which should be opened only upon reaching its destination.”
I agree with the strict restrictions imposed by Bhutanese authority in this regard. However, this may increase the price of meat and egg. Bhutan should focus on developing its poultry sector so that it does not need to import from other countries.
I'm glad to hear India has been bird flu free for two months.
Although, being in the US I haven't heard anything new about bird flu in months. I'm not sure if that's attributed to an actual decrease in occurances or just a lack of reporting.
Posted by: D.T. Kelly | October 14, 2006 10:28 AM | Permalink to Comment