BAN ON MEAT PRODUCTS (Update)

Column: 2168

BAN ON MEAT PRODUCTS:

(Update): 13.

Dr Tan Sze Wee asked the Minister for National Development if he will provide the latest update on the bans on (i) beef product imports from the USA and Japan and (ii) meat imports from Malaysia , and what is the rationale for these continuing bans, particularly on pork products from Malaysia .

Mr Heng Chee How (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, we currently do not allow the import of beef products from countries affected

Column: 2169

by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), which we all call Mad Cow Disease. This includes beef from the US and Japan . Beef may only be imported from AVA-accredited countries certified to be free from BSE or Mad Cow Disease for six years. This is in view of the long incubation period of the disease, which could be in excess of five years.

AVA has recently adopted a risk management approach to thoroughly examine the feasibility of allowing beef imports on a restrictive basis from selected BSE-affected countries. This follows the countries' implementation of effective risk mitigating measures to protect their own people from exposure to infected beef. AVA's assessment would be comprehensive and thorough, covering various key aspects, such as the exporting country's BSE surveillance programme, the traceability of animals, and conformance to the guidelines of the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE).

In the case of the United States, AVA has completed its documentary and on-site review of the US system for mitigation of risk from BSE in beef. AVA is ready to lift its import ban on US beef and is currently finalising operational details with US officials, to enable certain types of US beef to be imported into Singapore . AVA will apply the same approach to other BSE-affected countries, including Japan , when considering whether beef imports from such countries could be resumed. It is in our interest to import meat from as many sources as possible, because it enhances our supply resilience.

Turning to Malaysia , AVA does not currently allow imports of beef, mutton and pork from Peninsular Malaysia because of the outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) there. While FMD does not affect human beings, we still need to safeguard our FMD-free status, because this has a significant impact on

Column: 2170

our own export trade in meat, milk and dairy products.

With regard to poultry, we allow poultry import from the disease-free zones in Peninsular Malaysia that have been established by its Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) working in collaboration with our AVA. This is by mutual agreement between Malaysia and Singapore , for mutual benefits, to safeguard the poultry trade. Stringent movement controls and biosecurity measures implemented in these zones safeguard its farms from outbreaks of Avian Flu.

Dr Tan Sze Wee: Sir, I would like to ask the Minister of State on the import ban on pig products from Malaysia because of the persistence of foot and mouth disease in pigs. But in the preparation of dried pig products, the virus will probably be killed in the process. Is there a need to also impose a ban on pig products as well as pig byproducts that are prepared, and we cannot bring them into Singapore?

Mr Heng Chee How: Mr Speaker, Sir, AVA's role, as far as food safety is concerned, is to make sure that food that is allowed for importation into Singapore meets required safety standards. This is to ensure that our population is protected from known risks. So all our policies are constructed around this primary aim. At the same time, we also want to broaden our import sources. This is to increase our supply resilience because the more we can spread out our sources of supply, the less we are dependent on any one supply, and the disruption such dependence can cause if that supply is disrupted. So we balance between these two.

We also review any improvements in technology as well as updates in developments in disease control from

Column: 2171

these import sources. In my response on the Mad Cow Disease, for example, the approach that we take towards that particular disease, the Member can see that we try to balance the two. And in respect of pork and other such meats and related products from Malaysia and elsewhere, we take the same general approach. We import significant amounts of foodstuffs from Malaysia and we are particularly careful to ensure that this particular supply source provides food that will be safe for our population. This is subject to continual review.

For example, in the case of poultry, we have moved, through mutual agreement, to a zonal approach. And where we can safeguard that, then it is allowed to be imported. I think under that general approach, further progress can be made as time goes on and as we review developments on both sides.

Dr Tan Sze Wee: Sir, the ban on fresh pork is perhaps understandable. But what about prepared dried barbecued pork which obviously has no risk for human consumption? Will the AVA consider reviewing its current ban on such prepared food, because in the preparation itself, the virus is denatured?

Mr Heng Chee How: Mr Speaker, Sir, if I remember correctly, even when we prepare such things as barbecued pork in Singapore for sale, there are also strict restrictions on the sort of premises that you use for preparing these things. This is to ensure that foodstuffs that are sold in Singapore meet our safety standards for consumption by our population. I would say that any restriction that AVA may currently impose that actually constrains our increased supply is done for the benefit

of the safety of our population. But, as I explained, all measures will be taken in line with developments and technology and

Column: 2172

additional measures. As soon as we can manage those risks in a very careful and thorough way, we would see how best to relax, because then that would increase the supply and benefit the consumers. So we always look for opportunities for progress but we will never compromise safety for our people.