Removal of Nitrofurans Pre-Export Testing Requirement for Import of Processed Meat Products from China

To All Meat Traders

Dear Sir/Madam

REMOVAL OF NITROFURANS PRE-EXPORT TESTING REQUIREMENT FOR IMPORT OF PROCESSED MEAT PRODUCTS FROM CHINA 

1          Following a food safety incident involving nitrofurans in processed meat products in 2007, a pre-export testing requirement for nitrofurans and its metabolites were put in place for all meat products imported from China.

2          SFA has completed a scientific review of this requirement. Since then, China has strengthened its legislative framework and has specifically banned the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals intended for meat processing. SFA has also not detected any presence of nitrofurans in meat products imported from China for the last 5 years.

3          Therefore, SFA will be removing the nitrofurans pre-export testing requirement for meat products imported from China with immediate effect. Do note that nitrofurans and its metabolites continues to be banned in food-producing animals. 

4          Please do not hesitate to contact us at https://sfa.gov.sg/feedback, if you have any other queries.