The besieged pork industry is posted to acclaim its rare victory, with full backing of the experts, claiming that government bio-security proposals are not very stringent.

The independent panel was established by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry on the request of the pork industry following concerns that proposed import health standards would result in the emergence of local piggeries to the risk of malignant exotic diseases.

MAF posted that it is to table with the pork industry representatives today with an aim to seek their views prior to coming up with a decision on the way forward. However, it has preferred to remain silent on further commenting until it comes up with a final decision over the matter.

The panel, spearheaded by Helen Aikman QC, posted that all assumptions and likelihoods used by MAF should possess an identifiable basis and source, ideally from a scientific peer-reviewed publication.

In addition, it seek MAF to grant a permission for the possibility that imported pig meat will be obtained from pigs diseased with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).

Spokesman, John Hartnell, quoted, "MAF's hypothesis, that cuts of up to 3kg would result in negligible uncooked pig meat waste, was challenged and the review panel has recommended further consideration of this figure be undertaken".