Baltic Export, Baltic States – CIS, Legislation, Lithuania, Markets and Companies

According to Lithuanian meat producers, meat export to Israel and Muslim lands is banned by a law amendment, which forbids slaughtering animals without stunning. Neither Jews, nor Muslims eat the meat of a stunned animal.

"We could export much beef to Muslim countries, where the pork is not used. However, the provision of the Law on Animal Welfare and Protection, which came into effect last year and bans ritual slaughtering, it stipulates that all animals must be stunned before being slaughtered. Due to this provision alone, we are not able to export beef to any Muslim country, as it is contrary to Islamic teachings.

As a result, the markets of such countries as the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia have closed," said Egidijus Mackevicius, Director of the Lithuanian Meat Processors' Association.