Organic Meat Company Defies UAE Ban on Pakistani Fresh Chilled Meat
A
refrigeration issue within a Pakistani shipping company's system has been
identified as the cause of a fungal problem found in a recent shipment of fresh
chilled meat bound for the United Arab Emirates. This unfortunate incident has
led the UAE to temporarily halt meat imports from Pakistan, casting a shadow on
the country's reputation.
The
ban came into effect after the Dubai Municipal Authorities reported the arrival
of substandard fresh beef in Dubai through multiple containers. However, some
local companies maintain that their organic chilled meat exports have been
unaffected by these restrictions.
The
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has initiated investigations
into the matter and placed blame on the shipping lines for the alleged subpar
meat quality. According to TDAP, the inefficient or non-functional
refrigeration systems in the reefer containers, which are the responsibility of
the shipping lines, seem to be the root cause.
To
address the situation, the TDAP has stated that exporters impacted by the ban
have filed a damages petition against the shipping company. Additionally, the
Pakistani Consulate in Dubai is actively engaging with stakeholders to
determine the cause of the incident. Pakistan has also requested a formal
meeting with the UAE Ministry to present its perspective, address UAE concerns,
and seek the removal of the ban.
Meanwhile,
The Organic Meat Company Ltd (TOMCL), a Pakistani meat processor, has expressed
its intention to continue exporting frozen and vacuum-packed chilled meat
products to the UAE market via sea routes. TOMCL, which serves the GCC market,
clarified in its filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange that the restrictions
only apply to fresh chilled meat exports and shipments via sea, while frozen
and vacuum-packed products remain unaffected by the ban.
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