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Myanmar: Government prohibits import of frozen meat at Thai border

The import of frozen meat at the Myanmar border will be prohibited from March 1 onwards, U Khin Maung Lwin, assistant secretary of Ministry of Commerce (MOC), told The Myanmar Times.

The border ban includes all forms of frozen meat, including red meat, fish and marine produce. However, importing via sea routes is still permitted. 

The main reason for the border ban is the lack of facilities that enable the authorities to conduct safety tests and checks on the meats at the border areas. These procedures are mandatory for controlling the outbreak of diseases via frozen meats. Currently, all such laboratories are located in Yangon and Mandalay. 

“We are aiming to protect the population from potential diseases that can be carried by infected meats. In the future, after we set up testing labs at the border, we will consider lifting the import ban,” U Khin Maung Lwin said.

Myanmar imports frozen beef, pork and fish, most of which is distributed to hotels, restaurants and other outlets targeting tourists.

While most of the meat is imported by sea, some trade takes place at Myawaddy, where the border between Myanmar and Thailand is located, according to the MOC.

Source: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/government-prohibits-import-frozen-meat-thai-border.html