Question & AnswerQ&A (BOC CUSTOMS MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 163-2001)
It clarifies that pasteurized fresh milk and other dairy products do not pose any risk in the transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) provided they have undergone proper inactivation processes.
The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) Animal Health Code is referenced concerning the safety of fresh milk and other dairy products.
The procedures include ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment at a minimum temperature of 132°C for at least 1 second; double high temperature-short time pasteurization (HTST) at 72°C for at least 15 seconds; or HTST combined with another physical treatment like maintaining pH-6 for at least 1 hour or additional heating with desiccation.
No, it explicitly states that fresh milk and dairy products that have been inactivated as per the specified procedures are not included in the ban.
The Veterinary Quarantine Service, BAI, endorsed the memorandum indicating the veterinary and quarantine authority's involvement in the risk assessment related to dairy products and FMD transmission.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock; the circular addresses concerns about whether dairy products can be vectors for transmitting FMD.
Memorandum Order No. 5, series of 2001 provided the guidelines referenced to clarify that pasteurized dairy products are not included in the FMD ban if properly inactivated.
Importers can lawfully import pasteurized fresh milk and dairy products that comply with the prescribed inactivation procedures without restriction related to FMD transmission risk.