Turkish states face poultry ban due to bird flu

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drugs Authority (SFDA) has temporarily banned all imports of eggs and poultry products from three Turkish states: Kastamonu, Balikesir and Manisa, according to an announcement posted on the SFDA’s website.
The temporary ban comes after widespread bird flu in the three provinces, the SFDA said. However, eggs and poultry products which are treated thermally or by any other manner capable of killing the virus before it hits Saudi soil have been exempted from the temporary ban, according to the announcement.
The temporary ban will take effect until the health situation of the animal resources in the area stabilises, the announcement declared.
In related news, a delegation from the EU countries recently visited the SFDA premises and was introduced to the SFDA clearance mechanism, as well as registering and banning measures being taken by the SFDA, in addition to the GCC imported food control guide, local media said.