The agriculture ministry said the import of fresh beef is not banned. Instead, the import of fresh beef from alternate international suppliers is not feasible at this time. The announcement follows a recommendation from the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority to revise current import policies.
Today, this lone slaughterhouse in Tsirang supplies fresh beef. But it is reportedly struggling to keep up with the demand due to export restrictions from India. The Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority’s investigation in March uncovered multiple issues at the facility. There were pricing irregularities, unhygienic conditions, use of outdated practices and prompting the authority to propose allowing fresh beef imports.
At Meet the Press, Agriculture Minister Younten Phuntsho said any such imports must meet minimum safety requirements.
“When it comes to imports, there are specific safety standards we must meet. Once those standards are fulfilled, we allow beef imports, and in fact, we have been importing beef. The import records clearly show that beef has been coming into the country.”
A meeting between the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority and the Livestock Department concluded that the import of fresh beef is not viable at the moment.
“If we allow beef imports from just anywhere, there are associated risks. After careful consideration of both the potential benefits and risks, the consensus was that importing fresh beef is not feasible at the moment.”
He added that meat can only be imported from licensed producers that comply with internationally recognised food safety management systems. All proposals must undergo a detailed import risk analysis before receiving approval.
The ministry allowed beef imports from Brazil in February this year. However, no beef from Brazil has reached the country.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
