China fails to register New Zealand meat plants

China fails to register New Zealand meat plants

Meat & Wool New Zealand says it is disappointed that China will register only a small number of New Zealand's world-class meat plants, effectively limiting beef and lamb exports to this expanding market.

Spooner said: "The standards met by New Zealand meat plants are generally regarded as the most demanding in the world, and so we are at a loss to understand how China cannot accept the NZFSA's assurance that they are up to the job."

Cros Spooner, Meat & Wool New Zealand acting CEO says: "The Chinese seem to want to audit every meat plant, rather than accepting the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's approval systems."

"Meat & Wool New Zealand is hoping that this is a misunderstanding that can be cleared up, and we are keen to assist the Government to progress this further with China." Spooner said.

Spooner says that, to add to the confusion, China has suspended issue of new import permits for New Zealand and other countries, following a mislabelling scandal within China. "This issue is unrelated to the registration of meat plants." Spooner said, "But it is one we want to see resolved as soon as possible."

"China is a key market for New Zealand meat, and has the potential to grow from the 35,000 tonnes currently imported from New Zealand. A rapid resolution is necessary."

"Meat & Wool New Zealand is working closely with Government and the industry to get China to accept more plants for export as soon as possible and we look forward to confirming a systems audit basis for the future, to avoid a repeat of this situation."

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