In a recent development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has instituted a prohibition on the import of frozen meat from Pakistan via maritime routes, citing concerns over the discovery of fungus in a meat consignment, Pakistan English newspaper the dawn reported .
As per the dawn report,This action was taken in response to a shipment of meat dispatched by a Karachi-based company through sea transport. UAE authorities, upon inspection, deemed the entire consignment unsuitable for consumption and subsequently destroyed it. Furthermore, a sweeping ban on all future imports of frozen meat from Pakistan through maritime channels has been enforced, set to endure until at least October 10.
It is crucial to note that while this embargo applies to sea shipments, exports of meat via air will continue without disruption.
Pakistan has established itself as a substantial exporter of meat to the UAE, with an annual export value of approximately $144 million.
Naseeb Ahmad Saifi, a prominent meat exporter, clarified that the UAE’s measure should not be interpreted as a complete ban. Instead, it signifies an embargo, contingent on Pakistani frozen meat exporters adhering to the destination country’s specified protocols for forthcoming shipments.
According to these protocols, exporters are obliged to vacuum-pack their products before dispatching them in refrigerated containers via sea routes. Regrettably, the company whose consignment allegedly contained fungus had shipped the meat wrapped in cloth, a departure from the prescribed procedure. Saifi lamented that this oversight during the export process has tarnished the country’s reputation.
However, it is crucial to underscore that this ’embargo’ exclusively pertains to meat exports via sea transport, with air shipments remaining unaffected.
Pakistan boasts an annual meat production of approximately 4.9 million tonnes, yet exports a relatively modest quantity, approximately 95,991 tonnes, constituting roughly 2% of the total production. The Gulf Cooperation Council states, alongside select Far East nations, represent its principal export markets. Notably, recent months have witnessed the initiation of meat exports to China, Egypt, and Indonesia.
This development underscores the significance of adhering to stringent export protocols to preserve the reputation and integrity of Pakistan’s meat exports in global markets.
