New Somatic Cell Certification Requirements to Take Effect on Exports to EU
April 9, 2010
New Somatic Cell Certification Requirements to Take Effect on Exports to EU
NMPF, along with other representatives across the dairy industry, met last week with USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the new EU export certification requirements that take effect October 1, 2010. These new requirements change the 400,000 somatic cell count requirement from sampling at the processor-level (co-mingled milk), to individual farms. Details related to these requirements were provided to members last week.
Moving forward, NMPF will work with the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) to present USDA with a reasonable and workable interpretation of what would satisfy compliance with the new EU regulations, and allow USDA to continue issuing certificates. NMPF will also be coordinating with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI) throughout that process. Additionally, we will continue to work with USTR as they initiate a dialogue with the EU regarding the WTO compliance of this requirement.
