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SL to resume poultry export to UAE with Halal certification
View(s):Sri Lanka is set to resume export of chicken and eggs to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after it lifted a ban this week on imports imposed due to Avian Influenza.
The UAE lifted the ban, insisting that all products imported must have Halal certification and accordingly, a leading exporter was preparing to obtain the required certification to resume exports.
“An exporter has already contacted us regarding the export of poultry products to the UAE, and we will be issuing the certification without delay,” said Halal Accreditation Council Chief Executive Officer, Ali Fatharally.
He confirmed that, since the setting up of the Council in January this year, they have issued 120 certificates for the export market, as well as for some of the local companies. Products for which certification has been issued include tea, spices and biscuits.
He said that certification is issued solely at the request of the respective company.
Animal Production and Health Dept, Director (Veterinary Regulatory Affairs), Dr Aruni Tiskumara, said the Sri Lanka Poultry industry is seeing an annual growth of 15 per cent and due to growing trends of excess stock, firms are looking for export avenues.
“Due to the Avian Influenza, Gulf countries were rejecting poultry products including chicken meat, processed chicken products and eggs. However, as Sri Lanka did not have Avian Influenza, there was a suggestion to campaign for the export of poultry, with Treasury approval,” she said.
Sri Lanka is the first in South Asia to have the ban lifted by the UAE.