Japan lifts ban on Polish meat and poultry imports

The Japanese Government has reportedly lifted the ban on imported Polish meat and poultry products, including eggs.

In March, the country imposed a ban on Polish meat products due to the outbreak of HPAI (avian influenza) in Poland. The virus was also identified in some other countries, including South Africa, Germany and Hungary.

With the easing of restrictions, Polish companies will be able to export their poultry meat products from animals slaughtered on 30 July and later.

Poland will also be able to export eggs to Japan that were laid on the same date.

In June, countries such as Singapore, Armenia and Hong Kong also removed restrictions on meat and poultry products.

Poland is reported to be one of the largest producer of eggs in the European Union (EU), with 65% to 70% reserved for the domestic market and the rest is exported to the overseas market.

The country’s poultry exports declined due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last February, Japan confirmed that imports of Uruguayan beef can resume for the first time in nearly two decades, ending a 19-year ban on fresh beef trade between the two countries.

Japanese Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Enzo Benech announced the authorisation of 16 Uruguayan refrigerators.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, Japan is the world’s third-largest beef importer. The decision allowed several food companies such as Marfrig Global Foods and Minerva to export fresh beef to Japan.