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A business lunch took place at the Uruguayan Embassy in Switzerland with the presence of official authorities and Swiss importers with a view to discuss two relevant issues for the commercialization of Uruguayan beef and sheep meat in this market.
The meeting approached the topic of beef and sheep meat not containing antibiotics and other antimicrobial substances used as growth promoters, as well as the High-Quality Certificate for beef.
So far, according to the Swiss regulation ruling the labeling of agricultural products that are obtained using products prohibited in the Swiss territory, all Uruguayan meat sold in this country must bear a label stating that the product may be obtained from animals in which antibiotics may have been used as growth promoters.
On March 2nd the Uruguayan Executive Power issued Decree 98/011 that prohibits the import, manufacturing, trade and use of food for cattle and sheep containing antibiotics as growth promoters.
Consequently, Swiss authorities officially informed that the labeling regulation will change for Uruguay allowing for the abovementioned phrase that discriminated our meats from that of other countries to be removed.
The new sanitary situation of Uruguayan meats in the Swiss market entails a qualitative leap for their placing in said market. According to information stated by the main importers that attended the meeting, who account for more than 90 % of Swiss meat imports, prices are expected to increase (by about 30 %) as well as exported volumes, as of the effective date of decree 98/011.
On the other hand, this new situation has another positive effect, it will allow for Uruguayan sheep meat to be sold in equal conditions.
As regards the High-Quality Certificate for beef, subject that had been previously discussed with authorities of the Swiss Ministry of Agriculture, it was agreed that Uruguay will issue a Certificate signed by INAC and by the Ministry of Livestock, which will only apply to beef obtained from animals fattened in feedlots.
