Europe pork import ban should not impact island’s butchers
NEW restrictions on importing pork and pork products from Europe have been brought in.
But they should not impact the island’s butchers.
The rules have been introduced in an effort to prevent the spread of African swine fever – a virus which affects pigs. It has a high mortality rate in the animals, but any found to be carrying the disease must be slaughtered anyway.
It does not affect humans.
It is now illegal to bring in pork or pork products from Europe – excluding the UK – unless it is 2kg or less for human consumption and is in the unopened manufacturer’s packaging and clearly health marked or 2kg or less of animal feed in unopened manufacture-sealed packaging.
There are no limits on local commercial businesses importing pork or pork products from anywhere, as long as they are a registered food business, the meat comes in the unopened manufacturer’s packaging and is clearly health marked.
African swine fever has started spreading rapidly through areas of Europe and States vet David Chamberlain said that the disease has had a devastating impact on pigs all over the world.
‘Although we appreciate that the introduction of these restrictions will be an inconvenience to some people, it’s important that we do what we can to protect our local 300-plus pig population,’ he said.
The restrictions are likely to affect travellers and people ordering Christmas hampers which might contain large cured hams.
‘Similarly, travellers with pets are advised not to return to the islands with large quantities of opened pet feed, because it will need to be surrendered at the ports.’
Jason Hamon of Surf and Turf said that in the past some gammons came in from Denmark, but a lot of pork now came from the UK.
He was surprised that the restrictions had been brought in now.
‘The strange thing about this is that swine flu’s been around for a little while,’ he said.
Town Butcher’s Mark Harvey had heard of the new restrictions, but like Mr Hamon said his meat came from UK producers in sealed packaging.
n Anyone who suspects the presence of African swine fever must report it immediately by calling the States Vet on 01481 221161 or emailing svo@gov.gg.
