News From : DagangHalal.com (05 Jun 2009)
Indonesia has banned imports of New Zealand beef, saying it failed to meet Islamic halal standards for food consumption.
The temporary ban took effect on May 25. Indonesia’s agriculture minister Anton Apriyantono says unless New Zealand can guarantee its beef imports are halal, the product will not be allowed.
At least 76 containers of New Zealand beef has been held up at Indonesian ports since May 25 after their halal certification from New Zealand was not recognised by Indonesia’s Muslim clerical organisation, the Ulema Council.
It is understood the shipments are worth around $117 million.
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation and last year consumed nearly 400,000 tonnes of beef and beef products, of which 70,000 tonnes came from New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand officials say there has been an ongoing issue with Indonesia over halal standards.
Source:TVNZ News