SWITZERLAND

Switzerland: Voluntary import ban on horse meat from South America

The latest EU audit reports confirm existing criticisms of the import of horse meat from Argentine and Uruguay. The meat industry is reacting: In response to these reports, Proviande's board of directors is calling on the industry to voluntarily forego such imports and is calling on the federal government to impose an import ban.

Posted on Dec 10 ,00:05

The import of horse meat from Argentine and Uruguay is repeatedly criticized. In the past, this criticism primarily related to the housing conditions, which were described as not species-appropriate. Recently there has been increasing criticism over the lack of traceability of imported meat, which could put food safety at risk.

The latest EU audit reports (November 2023) assessing the control system for the production of horse meat in Argentine and Uruguay, which is intended for export to the European Union, note that animal welfare has improved compared to previous audit reports, but is still deficient in many areas. There is also strong criticism of the traceability already mentioned and thus also the incomprehensible use of medication in rearing.

Based on these latest reports, action is required. The board of directors of Proviande is therefore calling on the industry to voluntarily stop importing horse meat from Argentine and Uruguay. At the same time, they are calling on the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs as the enforcement authority to issue an import ban so that any loopholes can be closed.