Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 7/26/10

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service late Friday posted a list of U.S. chicken processors now eligible to resume exports to Russia.

On the list, based on the Russian-approved roster in effect as of Dec. 31, 2009, are 27 facilities including slaughterhouses owned by Pilgrim’s Pride, Tyson Foods and Sanderson Farms. Products produced or originating at plants on the list on or after July 14 can be certified for export to Russia, FSIS said on its website.

Some plants are quickly getting back into gear. Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., for example, said in a news release today its Boaz and Russelville, Ala., plants already have begun packing product for Russia and expects shipments to resume soon. Meanwhile, the company’s Dallas facility will resume production today.

“Russia is an important export market for U.S. chicken and the re-opening of the borders will be a significant benefit to our company and industry,” Pilgrim’s Pride President and CEO Don Jackson said.
On Jan. 1, Russia imposed a ban on imports of chicken treated with chlorine, effectively banning those of the U.S. chicken industry. Earlier this month U.S. and Russian officials agreed to a formal poultry agreement under which U.S. processors are allowed to use cetylpyridium chloride, peroxyacetic acid or hydrogren peroxide instead of chlorine.

Some facilities, such as Pilgrim’s Alabama plants, already have converted to peroxyacetic acid. Other companies, such as Mountaire Farms, are still in the process of switching their operations to comply with the Russian protocol. 

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