FMD EXPORT UPDATE

1. State of play for product shipped within the European Union between 15 July and 3 August          

Mr Fred Landberg, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, has now provided clarification on the issue regarding meat and meat products exported after the 15 July and before 9.30am Friday 3 August, when the voluntary export ban was implemented.  This follows yesterday SCOFCAH meeting in Brussels.

All fresh and frozen meat products that were exported within this time frame are legally within the European market and there is no obligation for this product to be taken from circulation.  Any product exported after the imposition of the voluntary export ban can be repatriated if the recipient member state so desires.  Any meat or meat product slaughtered and or processed after the 15 July that has not yet been exported cannot be exported.

The European Commission has issued a note to that effect that has been circulated to all Member States.

2. State of play for product shipped to Third Countries between 15 July and 3 August

Embassies have been instructed to deal with individual cases and the situation is currently kept under review.

Prepared jointly by the Milton Keynes and Brussels offices of the Meat and Livestock Commission.