Measures to Cut Risk of Importing Animal Diseases

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Latest Pig Industry News

Friday, May 01, 2009

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Measures to Cut Risk of Importing Animal Diseases

EU - A regulation on the introduction into the European Union of small quantities of animal products intended for personal consumption â€“ a measure that will help reduce the risks of importing serious animal diseases into the EU â€“ enters into force today, 1 May 2009.

The regulation brings together in one legal text, the different weight limits for the quantities of products of animal origin that can be introduced into the EU by travellers or sent through the post.

The introduction of meat, milk and their products, with a few exceptions, is not permitted. Small quantities of fishery products or other products of animal origin, such as honey and snails for example, are allowed as long as they are intended for personal consumption.

The regulation also strengthens the obligations of international passenger transport operators and postal services, which now have to ensure that their customers are aware of the rules, by means of several communication tools included in the regulation including posters (see annex), leaflets and a video.

The video is intended to be screened at EU points of entry and in particular in airports, as well as during flights coming from outside the EU.

Finally, EU Member States will be required to carry out effective controls on travellers' luggage, as well as on parcels sent through the post and to provide detailed information on the results of these controls to the Commission.

ThePigSite News Desk