Imported Chicken Meat

The Australian Chicken Meat Federation issued a statement on the 28th September 2005, to clarify any confusion that may have been caused by recent media reports about chicken meat being 'seized by quarantine officials'.

"All chicken meat consumed in Australia is produced in this country. Any raw (or live) chicken meat found as a result of screening activities by quarantine officers at ports, airports and international mail centres, is confiscated and destroyed in line with established policies and procedures.

Current Federal legislation bans the importation of all raw chicken meat and has done for many years.

Australian consumers of chicken and other poultry meat can be confident in the knowledge that any chicken meat they purchase at their local retail outlet or fast service restaurant is grown and processed in Australia according to strict codes of quality and food safety.

The fact that baned products are being intercepted by officials demonstrates that Australia's quarantine controls are effective. Most products seized by officials are brought in by travellers who are not aware of long-standing quarantine regulations restricting such imports."

This statement comes in light of recent concerns of the 'chicken flu' outbreak and it's devasting effect in China.

For more on quarantine requirements visit www.daff.gov.au/publications