Source: USDA, 8/28/15

On Monday, FSIS is publishing in the Federal Register a final rule to add the Republic of Lithuania to the list of countries eligible to export meat and meat products to the United States. FSIS’s review of Lithuania’s laws, regulations and inspection implementation show that its meat inspection system requirements are equivalent to the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and its implementing regulations.

After the effective date in this final rule (Oct. 30, 2015), meat from cattle, sheep, swine, and goats slaughtered in Lithuania, or parts or other products thereof, processed in certified Lithuanian establishments, are eligible for export to the United States. All such products are subject to reinspection at United States ports-of-entry by FSIS inspectors. At this time, Lithuania intends to export canned, dried, and smoked beef and pork products to the United States. All meat products exported to the U.S. must also meet Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) animal health requirements. The final rule is currently on public display at the Office of the Federal Register, available at https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2015-21510.pdf