The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to allow uncooked pork to be imported from regions in Mexico where Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is considered to exist.
Current import regulations require that pork products imported from CSF positive regions be cooked or cured prior to export from Mexico. The proposed changes would allow uncooked pork and pork products originating in CSF free regions to be shipped in sealed containers to facilities located in CSF positive regions for further processing and then export to the U.S. also in sealed containers. Certifying documentation signed by Mexican officials would be required.
APHIS is taking this action primarily to allow uncooked pork and pork products that originate in the United States to be shipped for processing to Mexico and then be returned to the United States. It would also allow, however, for the export of uncooked products originating in CSF free regions of Mexico to be further processed in CSF positive regions.
APHIS is accepting comments on the proposed rule until March 6, 2007. Information on submitting comments is available in the Federal Register.
Source:
USDA, APHIS Press Release