Fiji bans frozen poultry imports from Brazil

Fiji has announced a ban on poultry imports from Brazil, due to the risks associated with diseases on the packaging entering the country.

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji chief executive officer Elvis Silvestrini said import risk assessments were conducted based on what was deemed an acceptable level of risk for Fiji given local conditions to protect the country from pests and disease.

“Some diseases that can even be present on the packaging of frozen products can destroy local birdlife and affect Fiji’s own poultry industry — that would be a disaster for Fiji,” he said.

Fiji seeks Brazilian advice for a sustainable domestic poultry industry
Fijian ambassador to Brazil Cama Tuiloma has had successful discussions with Brazilian authorities on assistance to the country’s poultry and beef industry.

According to a government statement, at recent meetings in Brasilia, Mr Tuiloma met officials to discuss co-operation and assistance in developing a sustainable domestic poultry and beef industry in Fiji.

They included the Brazilian Poultry Association and the Association of Beef Exporters (ABIEC).

The statement said Brazil had expressed readiness to co-operate with Fiji in both poultry and beef production in terms of quality, biosafety, sustainability, affordability and respect to consumers and in generating employment and income.

Source: Fiji Times