MEAT HYGIENE DIRECTIVE: 2009-40

PDF (86 kb)

Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9

September 2, 2009

SUBJECT: Chapter 11 - Section 11.7.3 - Panama

Update to reflect current information on requirements applicable to meat products imported from Canada.

Panamanian authorities have indicated that the Canadian federal inspection system has been approved for pork and beef.

Exporters must be aware shipments presented for import inspection in Panama are subject to import controls which may include microbiological testing. Shipments accompanied by results of analysis conducted prior to export will not waive this requirement.

ENGLISH VERSION

Please replace page 1 of the Panama section of Chapter 11 of your Manual of Procedures with the attached page.

FRENCH VERSION

Please replace page 1 of the Panama section of Chapter 11 of your Manual of Procedures with the attached page.

ORIGINAL SIGNED BY

Dr. Richard Arsenault
Director
Meat Programs Division

Attachment

---

11.7.3 PANAMA

11.7.3.1 General information

11.7.3.1.1

Panamanian authorities recommend that safe - handling instructions or cooking instructions be placed on the label of raw meat products. The exporter should contact the authorities for details.

11.7.3.1.2

Panamanian authorities have indicated that shipments of meat products imported into Panama are subject to bacteriological testing for pathogens such as E. coli O157: H7, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes as part of routine import control procedures.

11.7.3.1.3

Formal approval by Panama for Canadian meat products is limited to beef and pork products.

11.7.3.2 Import prohibitions or restrictions

Nil

11.7.3.3 Specific or additional inspection procedures

Nil

11.7.3.4 Additional certification

Nil

11.7.3.5 Special packaging or marking requirements

The production date must appear on the label of shipping containers.

11.7.3.6 Other requirements

Transport containers should be sealed with an official seal. The seal number must appear on the export certificate.