Addition of Australia and New Zealand to the List of Foreign Countries Eligible to Import Poultry Products (Ratite Only) Into the United States

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing that it will add Australia and New Zealand to the list of countries eligible to import poultry products (ratite only) into the United States (U.S.). Reviews by FSIS of Australia's and New Zealand's laws, regulations, and other written materials, as well as the findings of an on-site review of each country's system, show that their regulatory systems that apply to ratite slaughter and processing include requirements that are equivalent to that of the United States under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and its implementing regulations. Under this direct final rule, ratites slaughtered and processed in certified establishments in Australia and in New Zealand will be permitted to be imported into the U.S. All ratite products imported into the U.S. from Australia and New Zealand will be subject to reinspection at U.S. ports-of-entry by FSIS inspectors.