USDA Reminds Exporters About Hong Kong Avian Flu Poultry Policies

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service reminded U.S. exporters last week that Hong Kong won’t accept U.S. poultry and egg imports from counties reporting highly pathogenic avian influenza if the bill of lading is dated on or after the effective date of a ban. Shipments loaded after the ban aren’t allowed to enter Hong Kong “regardless of the date of production,” USDA added. If U.S. exporters ship “ineligible” meat products to Hong Kong in the same container as other meat products, Hong Kong may reject the entire shipment, USDA said. As of Oct. 26, U.S. poultry and egg products from 77 counties in 17 states were still “ineligible” to ship to Hong Kong.