Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 7/11/16


Exports of U.S. meat, poultry and eggs are expected to increase now that USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has established requirements for federally inspected products to be sent to the island nation. 

FSIS last week set updated export requirements for exports to Cuba, including fresh and frozen pork, poultry, beef – and their related products – along with sheep and goat meat. The eligible listings include specific exceptions and several ineligible products under the poultry category based in some cases on the origins of the birds from 13 U.S. states processed before Oct. 20, 2015. Those birds may have been affected by last year’s avian influenza outbreak.    

Cuba has been open to U.S. exports since 2015, but limited to cash sales, which may have hindered the growth of the approximately $125 million in U.S. meat and poultry imported between 2013 and 2015. FSIS also lists documentation requirements covering the export requirements in its latest announcement. Congress is considering a bill allowing private financing of U.S. food exports to Cuba, but there is no timetable for when such a measure may become law.

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