Industry News

EU Commission Removes Certain Restrictions on U.S. Meat Imports

February 7, 2013


The European Commission recently issued two regulations impacting the import of meat from the United States. The first regulation permits food business operators to use lactic acid to reduce microbiological surface contamination on bovine carcasses, subject to certain conditions. The Commission’s decision to allow the use of lactic acid as a part of hygienic slaughtering practices takes into account the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) July 2011 Scientific Opinion. The EFSA found that treatments using lactic acid for decontamination are not a safety concern as long as the substance used complies with European Union specifications for food additives.

The second regulation allows for the import of live pigs from the United States for breeding and production purposes, as well as for the transit of live pigs from the U.S. through the European Union. Authorization to import pigs from the United States is contingent upon meeting certain testing and certification requirements, including testing for vesicular stomatitis. Both of the regulations take effect February 25, 2013.

For further information please contact a Barnes/Richardson attorney.