Source:  MEATINGPLACE.COM, 10/1/09

The poultry industry is pressing for the World Trade Organization to examine whether a European Union barrier to U.S. poultry exports violates WTO rules.

The industry wants a WTO dispute-settlement panel to address the EU's ban against four U.S.- approved antimicrobials that reduce pathogens during poultry processing. The EU has not permitted U.S. poultry imports since 1997.

Four industry groups, in a Sept. 24 letter, asked U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to take actions that would bring the dispute to a WTO panel. The letter noted that talks with the EU earlier this year failed to resolve the issue.

The groups involved are the National Chicken Council, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, National Turkey Federation, and the National Association of Manufacturers.

It is estimated annual poultry exports to the EU would top $300 million if it were an eligible market.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.