RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drugs Authority has banned imports of poultry, eggs and their by-products from 14 US states after reports said these states were hit with bird flu infection. The ban includes Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska.
The regulatory authority exempted thermally-produced poultry, eggs and other by-products in line with health standards, reported Arabic daily Okaz. However, a health certificate issued by US official authorities will be required as evidence that the poultry and eggs were produced by using thermal technology.