Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 5/31/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** BA4001

BA4001

**Bahrain**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)ATO: Michael T. Henney

U.S. Consulate General, Dubai, U.A.E.

**Prepared by:**

ATO: Hovaguim Kizirian

**Report Highlights:**

Updated on May 31, 2004. Sections Updated: All. Bahrain is in the
process of revising its food labeling and shelf life regulations to
bring them into conformance with Codex Alimentarius standards. Bahrain
presently applies Gulf Standard 150/93, Part I for product shelf life
and does require Arabic-language labels or stickers for packaged food
products. Import policies are viewed as liberal, with no quotas or major
non-tariff barriers to speak of. Import duties are now unified across
the GCC states at 5 percent on practically all processed food products.
Live animals, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, grains, flours, tea,
sugar, spices and seeds for planting are exempt from any import duty.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Unscheduled Report

Dubai \[TC1\]

\[BA\]

Table of Contents

**Bahrain: Food Import Regulations and Standards
............................................ 3**

**1. Food Laws
................................................................................................
3**

**2. Label Requirements
.................................................................................
4**

**3. Food Additives
..........................................................................................
5**

**4. Pesticide and other Contaminates
............................................................ 5**

5.  **Other Regulations and Requirements
    ....................................................... 5**

6.  **Other Standards
    ........................................................................................
    6**

7.  **Copyright/Trademark Laws
    ......................................................................
    6**

**8. Import Procedures
....................................................................................
7**

9.  **Appendix I. Regulatory Agencies/Useful Contacts
    .................................. 9**

10. **Appendix II -- Food Shelf Life Durations in Bahrain
    ................................. 12**

**A. Exceptions to Gulf Standard 150/93, Part
I......................................... 12**

**Table 1. Frozen Foodstuffs**

**Table 2. Foodstuffs Requiring Special Storage**

**Table 3. Packaged Foodstuffs**

**B. Standards Unchanged From Gulf Standard 150/93, Part I
.................. 13**

**Table 1. Frozen Foodstuffs**

**Table 2. Chilled Foodstuffs**

**Table 3. Foodstuffs Requiring Special Storage**

**Table 4. Packaged Foodstuffs**

**BAHRAIN: FOOD IMPORT REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS**

# Section(s): All

DISCLAIMER: the Agricultural Trade Office of the USDA/Foreign
Agricultural Service in Dubai, UAE has prepared this report for U.S.
exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While every
possible care has been taken in the preparation of this report, the
information provided might be dated, as some import requirements are
subject to frequent change. It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters
ensure that all necessary customs clearance requirements have been
verified with local authorities through your foreign importer before the
sale conditions are finalized. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS
ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AS INTERPRETED BY THE
COUNTRY OF IMPORT AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.

**1. FOOD LAWS**

Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which also
includes Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
GCC member states are jointly working to harmonize food import
standards, including label and shelf life regulations.

In 1993, the GCC made a significant step towards regulatory
harmonization with issuance of Gulf Standard 150/1993, Part I, under
which a number of regional food shelf life standards were established.

In April 1995, Bahrain became the first GCC state to announce exceptions
to GS‑150. Ministerial Order No. 8/1995, effective as of November 1,
1995, lengthened the shelf life duration for a variety of food products.
Officials believed that these changes would not seriously disrupt food
imports, while fully protecting the integrity and safety of Bahrain's
food supply. (See Appendix II for a list of Bahrain\'s food shelf life
durations).

In general Bahraini officials are willing to work with companies to
ensure that food and agricultural products are not unduly disrupted
during the import inspection process. Typically Bahrain will announce a
new import regulation well in advance (often up to six months or more)
of date of enforcement.

In addition, Bahrain will pre-approve food labels prior to export.
Pre‑export approval is strongly encouraged since it can significantly
speed import clearance, particularly for new‑to‑market products and
brands.

In January 1995 Bahrain joined the WTO. Bahrain officials remain keen to
abide by WTO regulations governing food trade, including the SPS and TBT
agreements. The Public Health Directorate (PHD), Ministry of Health
(MOH), in conjunction with the Directorate of Standards and Metrology,
Ministry of Commerce (MOC) are responsible for formulating food
regulations. The Directorate of Agencies and Industrial Property, MOC,
is responsible for formulating and enforcing trademark and agency laws.
The Directorate of Customs & Ports, Ministry of Finance and National
Economy (MOFNE), is responsible for enforcing local agency laws.

The Public Health Directorate, Food & Water Control Section (FWC), MOH,
is responsible for enforcing food safety regulations. For example, the
FWC is responsible for visually inspecting all imported fresh and
processed food products, verifying compliance with label regulations
and, if deemed necessary, drawing samples for laboratory testing by the
MOH.

Not all shipments are subject to laboratory analysis. In general,
new‑to‑market products and products that failed previous inspections are
targeted for thorough examination at the time of import.

The Food Safety Committee (FSC), an interagency committee composed of
representatives from MOH, the Directorate of Standards and Metrology,
MOC, and the Directorate of Agriculture, Ministry of Municipal Affairs &
Agriculture (MMAA), decides all food safety and control issues,
including ban imposition.

It is understood that consignments with minor labeling infractions may
be granted a one‑time waiver, provided the products are found to be safe
for human consumption. In addition, small consignments of 20 or less
cartons, as well as ethnic food products may be exempt from Arabic label
requirements, provided prior authorization is obtained from the PHD/MOH.

The Directorate of Agriculture, MMAA, inspects live animals and plants,
feedstuffs and horticultural products at port of entry.

As noted earlier, a supplier is strongly encouraged to work closely with
his local importer to obtain pre‑export approval on labels, particularly
for new‑to‑market products, and to ensure that the product meets other
import regulations.

**2. LABELING REQUIREMENTS**

Gulf Standard 9/1995 governs food label requirements.

[]{.mark}

Under this standard, the food label must include on the original label
or primary packaging the following information:

‑ Product and brand name,

‑ Ingredients and additives, in descending order of proportion,

\- Nutritional information,

‑ Net content in metric units (volume in case of liquids),

‑ Manufacturer\'s name and address,

‑ Dates of production and expiry,

‑ Special storage, transportation and handling instructions, if any

‑ Country of origin

(Note: There are no local nutritional labeling requirements. The U.S.
nutritional panel is acceptable.)

Original labels must be printed in Arabic, but exceptions do exist. For
example, bilingual labels are permitted, provided one of the languages
is Arabic (e.g. Arabic/English). In addition, Arabic language stickers
are permitted in lieu of Arabic or bilingual labels, provided the
sticker:

\- Is extremely difficult to remove,

\- Includes all label information,

\- Does not cover the original label, and

\- Does not contradict information on the original label.

In fact, local officials consider such stickers to be labels.

Pork products or products containing pork or pork lard should be clearly
identified as such on the label. Products found to contain traces of
pork and not so labeled will be confiscated and possibly banned from
future import for a specified period of time.

Production and expiry dates must be engraved, embossed, printed or
stamped directly onto the original label or primary packaging at the
time of production, using indelible ink. U.S. bar coding is not accepted
in lieu of P/E dates. The dates must be printed in the following order,
depending on the shelf life of the product:

‑ Day/month/year for products with a shelf life of 6 months or less;

‑ Month/year for products with a shelf life longer than 6 months.

Both dates must be printed in digit form; text is not permitted. For
example, September 24, 2004 and 24/9/04 are acceptable; 24/Sep/04 is not
acceptable.

Ministry of Health officials reported that Bahrain is committed to honor
its obligations under WTO to implement internationally recognized
standards. Thus MOH will apply the Codex Alimentarius standards in case
of any conflict with the above regulations.

Furthermore, MOH officials note that soon Bahrain may recognize
manufacturer established shelf lives for food products and may cancel
the requirement for expiry dates on packaged food products currently in
force.

Ministerial Order No. 2/1989 governs the importation of specialty food
products, such as certain diet and health foods and foods for diabetics
and infants. Under this order, all specialty foods must be
pre‑registered with the Directorate of Pharmacies and Drug Control, MOH,
prior to import.

Specialty food labels must contain detailed information regarding
ingredients (e.g., vitamins, supplements, minerals, etc.), nutritive
value per 100 grams and instructions for use and proper storage. The
U.S. nutritional panel is acceptable. There are no RDA label
requirements.

Products shipped in bulk or institutional‑sized containers are subject
to all labeling requirements. As noted earlier, small shipments and
ethnic foods may be exempt from Arabic label requirements. Fresh produce
cartons are exempted from Arabic labeling requirements.

**3. FOOD ADDITIVES**

Bahrain applies the CODEX Alimentarius standards for food additive use,
including color additives. The common name and index number of all food
color additives contained in a product must be noted on the product
label. European \"E\" numbers are accepted.

**4. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINATES**

Bahrain applies the CODEX Alimentarius standards for pesticide residues
and other contaminates in food products.

**5. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS**

All meat and poultry products must be accompanied by an Islamic (Halal)
slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic center in the
country of origin.

All imported eggs must be individually stamped with name of their
supplier or country of origin.

Unofficially poultry products are granted a 20 percent tolerance for
salmonella bacteria. Inspection officials routinely test for salmonella
and will reject a shipment if salmonella is detected in more than 20
percent of samples taken.

No special packaging or container size requirements exist for food
products.

Bahrain Standard 988/1998, which is identical to GS 988/1998, defines
the level of radioactivity permitted in foodstuff. Irradiated food
products are permitted but the label must include the international
irradiated foods logo. A certificate of irradiation type and level is
required for these foods.

Food products imported from European countries, particularly Eastern
Europe, require a radiation‑free certificate. This requirement was
imposed as a result of the Chernobyl accident.

Bahraini health authorities randomly check food products already in the
market. In addition to visually inspecting labels, samples are taken and
analyzed to ensure that product ingredients match those listed on the
label. This procedure is conducted without the knowledge of the
importer. If a discrepancy is found, the importer is informed and the
product removed from the market and destroyed at the importer\'s
expense.

**6. OTHER STANDARDS**

Sample consignments face no special requirements. Samples destined for
food shows and other types of promotional events are exempt from local
label and shelf life regulations. Health certificates must accompany
such shipments, as well as an invoice noting that the product is not for
sale and is of no commercial value.

As noted in Section 2, Ministerial Order No. 2/1989 governs specialty
food products. All specialty foods must be pre‑registered with the
Directorate of Pharmacies and Drug Control, MOH.

Alcoholic beverages and pork, as well as food products containing
alcohol or pork, are strictly regulated. For example, retail outlets can
only sell pork products from special counters that are clearly marked.

Four companies can import alcoholic beverages only. These companies are
allowed to retail the product directly thru their own establishment or
to sell it to institutional end users, such as hotels and licensed
restaurants. Supermarkets are prohibited from selling alcoholic
beverages. Media is prohibited from advertising alcoholic products,
although in‑house promotion in liquor stores and licensed restaurants is
allowed.

**7. COPYRIGHT/TRADEMARK LAWS**

Legislative Decree No. 10/1992, amended by Legislative Decree No. 8 of
1998, governs commercial agencies. Importation of a brand officially
registered to a local agent is less strictly regulated than before. At
present any trader may import a product that is registered in another
firm's name, provided the registered agent is paid a commission, the
maximum of which is 5 percent. The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) may reduce
or even exempt the payment of any commission. Also, a principal may
terminate an existing agency agreement. It is up to the agent in this
case to prove to a grievance committee that his activities resulted in
an apparent success in promoting the products of the principal. The
Directorate of Customs and Ports will release a consignment only if
imported by the registered agent or if the importer obtains written
permission from the registered agent, after paying a commission of
maximum 5 percent, if applicable. MOC may waive this commission to
certain products, if in the public interest.

The Agencies and Industrial Property Directorate of the Ministry of
Commerce handles trademark registration, which usually can be completed
within a short time. Although a foreign company can register its
trademark directly with the directorate, usually a local, specialized
accounting firm is retained to do such work.

**8. IMPORT PROCEDURES**

Nearly all of Bahrain\'s food imports enter the country via the main
port of Mina Salman, located in the capital, Manama. The port boasts
state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment.

Imports from Saudi Arabia, a major supplier of food products to Bahrain,
usually arrive via the 25-mile long King Fahed causeway, which links
Bahrain to its neighbor.

Bahrain International Airport also receives a considerable amount of
food products, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables and chilled meat
and deli products.

Fresh products are usually cleared within 24 hours of arrival and all
other food products within as little as two to three days.

The following are required documents for food imports:

‑ Commercial invoice,

‑ Packing list,

‑ Bill of Lading,

‑ Health certificate from the country of origin,

‑ Halal slaughter certificate (for meat and meat products),

‑ Certified certificate of origin (see below).

A U.S./Arab chamber of commerce and the Bahrain Embassy, or one of its
consulates, in the United States, must notarize the certificate of
origin. Another Arab embassy or consulate may be used, if a Bahraini
government mission is not located near the exporter.

If no other Arab government mission is located near the exporter, a
statement from the local American chamber of commerce verifying this
situation will suffice. A U.S./Arab chamber of commerce, however, must
still notarize the certificate of origin.

A consignment rejected for being unfit for human consumption must be
re‑exported (but not to another GCC country) or destroyed, normally
within two to three months of arrival.

Products denied entry due to labeling infractions may later be cleared
upon appeal, provided the infraction was minor. New‑to‑market and ethnic
food products with minor labeling infractions have been cleared for
import on a one‑time basis.

Serious labeling infractions will result in rejection of a shipment with
little chance of a successful appeal. Major labeling infractions include
label tampering and missing or incorrectly printed production/ expiry
dates or dates printed on stickers rather than original
labels/packaging.

In January 2003, Bahrain implemented the \"GCC Unified Customs Law and
Single Customs Tariff\" (UCL). The UCL established a unified customs
tariff of five percent on practically all processed food products. Under
the UCL, live animals, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, grains,
flours, tea, sugar, spices and seeds for planting are exempt from any
import duty.

The UCL also established a single entry point policy. In other words, a
product entering any GCC member market would pay the appropriate duty at
point of entry into the GCC, then be permitted duty free transit among
GCC member countries. To date, however, not every GCC country has
implemented the single entry point policy for a variety of reasons,
including disparity of food control procedures, quality of health
laboratories and procedures for dividing tariff proceeds among member
countries.

On May 27, 2004 the United States and Bahrain completed a Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) designed to remove barriers and facilitate trade between
both countries. Under this agreement Bahrain will substantially open its
services market, streamline digital trade, protect intellectual
property, facilitate government procurement and provide for effective
enforcement of labor and environmental laws. Bahrain is the fourth
Middle East country that negotiated an FTA with the U.S. Signing of the
FTA is subject to approval by the U.S. Congress.

**9. APPENDIX I. REGULATORY AGENCIES/USEFUL CONTACTS**

####### Contact Ministry/Name Field of Specialty

**I. MINISTRY OF HEALTH**

Dr. Abdulla Ahmad Abdulla Ali Food products inspection

Head of Food & Water Control Section

Ministry of Health

P.O. Box 12

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-273‑683

Fax: (973) 17-279-253

Mrs. Leila Abdul-Rahman Health foods licensing and inspection

Director of Pharmacies and Drug Control

Ministry of Health

P.O. Box 12

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-258-668

Fax: (973) 17-259-357

Dr. Samir Khalfan Food safety policy

Director of Public Health

Ministry of Health

P.O. Box 12

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-250-313

Fax: (973) 17-276-301

**II. MINISTRY OF MUNICIPALITIES AFFAIRS & AGRICULTURE**

Dr. Mohamed Foda Plants and seed licensing

Plant Protection Advisor import

Ministry of Municipalities Affairs

and Agriculture

P.O. Box 251

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-691-251

Fax: (973) 17-695-734

Mr. Hassan M. Abdul Karim Agricultural projects and policy

Assistant Undersecretary

Engineering Affairs

Ministry of Municipalities Affairs

and Agriculture

P.O. Box 251

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-690-668

Fax: (973) 17-695-734

Mr. Jaafer Habib Ahmed Agricultural production and policy

Assistant Undersecretary

Agricultural Resources

Ministry of Municipalities Affairs

and Agriculture

P.O. Box 251

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-692-891

Fax: (973) 17-695-734

Dr. Salman Abdulnabi Veterinary regulations

Head, Veterinary Services Livestock and pet import licensing

Ministry of Municipalities Affairs

and Agriculture

P.O. Box 251

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-691-256

Fax: (973) 17-694-673

**III. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE**

Ms. Mona Al-Zeera All standards, including food standards

Acting Director of Standards & Metrology

Ministry of Commerce

P.O. Box 5479

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-523-030

Fax: (973) 17-530-730

Mr. Mohamed Ali Ajoor Consumer protection, food policy

Director of Consumer Protection

Ministry of Commerce

P.O. Box 5479

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-523-264

Fax: (973) 17-530-180

Mohammad D. Al‑Shaer Trademark and agency regulations

Director of Agencies

and Industrial Property

Ministry of Commerce

P.O. Box 5479

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-530-335

Fax: (973) 17-536‑479

Mr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Mahmeed Customs/Duties

Director General of Customs

Directorate of Customs & Ports

P.O. Box 15

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-727‑178

Fax: (973) 17-725‑556

Mr. Abdulnabi Awad Trade regulations and data

Director, Foreign Trade and Information

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry

P.O. Box 248

Manama, Bahrain

Tel: (973) 17-229‑555

Fax: (973) 17-216‑453

**10. APPENDIX II‑ FOOD SHELF LIFE DURATIONS IN BAHRAIN**

**A. Exceptions to Gulf Standard 150/93, Part I**

**Table 1. Frozen Foodstuffs**

These products must be stored at temperatures not to exceed (‑18 C).

  ----- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------- ---------
        **Product**             **Packing**             **Shelf       
                                                        Life**        

                                                        **Bahrain**   **GCC**

  1\.   Sausages                Plastic packs           12 months     9 months

  2\.   Prawns & Crustaceans    Plastic or cardboard    12 months     8 months
                                packs                                 

  3\.   Eggs                    Suitable packs          12 months     9 months
  ----- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------- ---------

**Table 2. Foodstuffs Requiring Special Storage**

  ----- -------------------- ------------------------- ------------- ---------
        **Product**          **Packing**               **Shelf       
                                                       Life**        

                                                       **Bahrain**   **GCC**

  1\.   Fresh eggs (Table    Suitable packs to be      6 months      3 months
        eggs)                stored at 4‑10 C                        

  2\.   Labneh (Strained     Suitable packs to be      15 days       6 weeks
        yogurt)              stored at 0‑5 C                         
  ----- -------------------- ------------------------- ------------- ---------

**Table 3. Packaged Foodstuffs**

These products are to be stored at suitable temperatures in
well-ventilated stores.

  ------ ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------- ---------
         **Product**             **Packing**             **Shelf       
                                                         Life**        

                                                         **Bahrain**   **GCC**

  1\.    Seafood, canned         Cans, metallic          18 months     24 months
         sterilized                                                    

  2\.    Milk, sterilized        Non‑metallic packs      12 months     6 months

  3\.    Milk, sterilized        Tetra packs             9 months      6 months
         flavored                                                      

  4\.    Cheese, processed       Cans, metallic          24 months     18 months

  5\.    Fruit juices, dried     Suitable packs          24 months     18 months

  6\.    Raisins                 Paper or plastics packs 24 months     12 months

  7\.    Tomato sauce            Cans metallic           24 months     12 months

  8\.    " "                     Glass containers        24 months     18 months

  9\.    Dry baby foods, milk    Tightly sealed metallic 24 months     18 months
         based                   containers or vacuum                  
                                 packed and sterilized                 

  10\.   Strained baby foods     Tightly sealed glass    18 months     12 months
                                 containers, sterilized                

  11\.   Baby fruit juices       Tightly sealed glass    18 months     12 months
                                 containers, sterilized                

  12\.   Artificial beverage     Suitable packs          24 months     18 months
         powders                                                       

  13\.   Biscuits, sweetened or  Paper packs or wrapped  12 months     9 months
         salted                  in special paper or                   
                                 cellophane or aluminum                
                                 foil                                  

  14\.   " "                     Cans, metallic          18 months     12 months

  15\.   Biscuits, sweetened or  Paper packs or wrapped  12 months     9 months
         salted                  in special paper or                   
                                 cellophane or aluminum                
                                 foil                                  

  16\.   " "                     Cans, metallic          18 months     12 months

  17\.   Brown sugar             Paper or plastic bags   No shelf life 18 months

  18\.   Tehina (Sesame oil      Suitable packs          12 months     9 months
         emulsion)                                                     
  ------ ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------- ---------

**B. Standards Unchanged From Gulf Standard 150/93, Part I**

**Table 1. Frozen Foodstuffs**

These products are to be stored at temperature not exceeding (‑18 C).

  ------ -------------------- ------------------------- ----------- -------------
         **Product**          **Packing**               **Shelf     **Remarks**
                                                        Life**      

  1\.    Minced meat, burger  Plastic packs             9 months    
         meat and liver                                             

  2\.    Beef, buffalo,       Suitable containers       12 months   Must arrive
         sheep, and goat meat                           from        within 4
                                                        slaughter   months of
                                                        date        slaughter

  3\.    Chickens, rabbits    Plastic packs             12 months   Must arrive
         turkey, duck and                               from        within 4
         geese                                          slaughter   months of
                                                        date        slaughter

  4\.    Fatty fish 1/        Plastic or cardboard      6 months    
                              packs                                 

  5\.    Lean fish 1/         Plastic or cardboard      12 months   
                              packs                                 

  6\.    Eviscerated fish     Plastic or cardboard      9 months    
                              packs                                 

  7\.    Ice cream            Suitable containers       12 months   

  8\.    Butter               Suitable containers       12 months   

  9\.    Margarine            Plastic or paper foil     12 months   

  10     Fruits               Suitable containers       12 months   

  11\.   Fruit juices         Suitable containers       18 months   

  12\.   Fried potato chips   Plastic bags              18 months   

  13\.   Dough products       Suitable containers       12 months   
  ------ -------------------- ------------------------- ----------- -------------

1/ Fatty fish are fish species with oil content of 5 percent or more in
the edible part. Lean fish are fish species with oil content of less
than 5 percent in the edible part.

**Table 2. Chilled Foodstuffs**

These products are to be stored at temperatures of 0‑5 C.

  ----- ----------------------- ------------------------ --------- -------------
        **Product**             **Packing**              **Shelf   **Remarks**
                                                         Life**    

  1\.   Yogurt and flavored     Suitable, tightly sealed 10 days   
        yogurt                  packs                              

  2\.   Yogurt, heat treated    Suitable packs           6 weeks   

  3\.   Yogurt drink (laban)    Suitable, tightly sealed 7 days    
        pasteurized             packs                              

  4\.   Cheeses, processed      Non‑metallic packs       18 months 

  5\.   Cheeses, hard           Suitable packs           12 months 

  6\.   Butter                  Suitable packs           2 months  

  7\.   Margarine               Plastic foil packs       3 months  
  ----- ----------------------- ------------------------ --------- -------------

**Table 3. Foodstuffs Requiring Special Storage**

+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
|   | **Product**  | **Packing** | **Storage         | **Shelf Life** |
|   |              |             | Condition         |                |
|   |              |             | Temperatures**    |                |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
| 1 | Beef and     | Suitable    | 0 C to (‑2 C)     | 21 days from   |
| \ | Buffalo meat | containers  |                   | slaughtering   |
| . |              |             |                   | date           |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
| 2 | Meat packed  | Plastic     | 0 C to (‑2 C)     | 10 weeks from  |
| \ | under vacuum | containers  |                   | slaughtering   |
| . |              |             |                   | date. (To      |
|   |              |             |                   | arrive within  |
|   |              |             |                   | 40 days of     |
|   |              |             |                   | slaughter)     |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
| 3 | Stuffed or   | Metallic    | not to exceed 25  | 12 months      |
| \ | covered      | containers  | C, in well        |                |
| . | biscuits     |             | ventilated        |                |
|   |              |             | stores, far from  |                |
|   |              |             | moisture and      |                |
|   |              |             | contamination     |                |
|   |              |             | sources           |                |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
| 4 | Flour        | Paper or    | not to exceed 21  | 12 months      |
| \ |              | plastic     | C, in well        |                |
| . |              | bags        | ventilated        |                |
|   |              |             | stores, far from  |                |
|   |              |             | moisture and      |                |
|   |              |             | contamination     |                |
|   |              |             | sources           |                |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
| 5 | Mayonnaise   | Glass or    | not to exceed 25  | 12 months      |
| \ |              | metallic    | C, in well        |                |
| . |              | containers  | ventilated        |                |
|   |              |             | stores, far from  |                |
|   |              |             | moisture and      |                |
|   |              |             | contamination     |                |
|   |              |             | sources           |                |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
| 6 | All types of | Paper,      | not to exceed 25  | 12 months      |
| \ | chocolate    | aluminum    | C, in well        |                |
| . |              | foil or     | ventilated        |                |
|   |              | plastic     | stores, far from  |                |
|   |              | packs       | moisture and      |                |
|   |              |             | contamination     |                |
|   |              |             | sources           |                |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+
| 7 | Fresh eggs   | Suitable    | from 11‑15 C      | 1 month        |
| \ |              | containers  |                   |                |
| . | (Table eggs) |             |                   |                |
+---+--------------+-------------+-------------------+----------------+

**Table 4. Packaged Foodstuffs**

These products must be stored at suitable temperatures, in
well-ventilated stores.

  ------ ------------------------ -------------------------------- ---------
         **Product**              **Packing**                      **Shelf
                                                                   Life**

  1\.    Canned meats             Cans, metallic                   24 months

  2\.    Evaporated milk          Cans, metallic                   12 months

  3\.    Dried milk, skimmed      In moisture proof packaging      12 months

  4\.    " "                      Cans, metallic under inert gas   18 months
                                  or vacuum packed                 

  5\.    Dried milk, full cream   Cans, metallic under inert gas   18 months
                                  or vacuum packed                 

  6\.    Milk, condensed          Cans, metallic                   12 months
         sweetened                                                 

  7\.    Milk, sterilized         Cans, metallic                   12 months
         flavored                                                  

  8\.    " "                      Other packs                      6 months

  9\.    Margarine                Cans, metallic                   12 months

  10\.   Canned vegetables and    Cans, metallic                   18 months
         fruits                                                    

  11\.   " "                      Glass containers                 24 months

  12\.   Jams, jellies and        Cans, metallic or glass jars     24 months
         marmalade                                                 

  13\.   " "                      Plastic or aluminum foil packs,  12 months
                                  tightly sealed                   

  14\.   Dried fruits, such as    paper or plastic packs           12 months
         figs, prunes, etc.                                        

  15\.   Hot sauces, all types    Glass containers                 24 months

  16\.   Pickles                  Glass containers tightly sealed  18 months

  17\.   " "                      Cans, metallic plastic lined     12 months

  18\.   Tomato sauces, spiced    Cans, metallic                   12 months

  19\.   " "                      Glass containers                 18 months

  20\.   Tomato puree (pulp) and  Cans, metallic                   12 months
         catsup                                                    

  21\.   " "                      Glass containers                 18 months

  22\.   Potato chips and popcorn Plastic bags                     6 months

  23\.   " "                      Aluminum foil bags under inert   9 months
                                  gas or tin coated cardboard      
                                  packs or in metal cans           

  24\.   Breakfast cereals such   Paper/ aluminum foil packs       12 months
         as corn, wheat or rice                                    
         flakes, etc.                                              

  25\.   Baby foods in powder or  Cardboard packs, aluminum coated 12 months
         pellet form, prepared                                     
         from cereals pulses,                                      
         vegetables, fruits, etc.                                  

  26\.   " "                      Cans, metallic packed under      18 months
                                  inert gas or vacuum, tightly     
                                  sealed                           

  27\.   Beverages, carbonated    Cans, metallic                   9 months

  28\.   " "                      Glass containers                 12 months

  29\.   Cocoa powder             Metal, glass or aluminum sheet   24 months
                                  packs, under inert gas or vacuum 

  30\.   " "                      Other packs such as              12 months
                                  paper/plastic                    

  31\.   Coffee, roasted ground   Metal or aluminum foil packs,    18 months
                                  packed under vacuum or inert gas 

  32\.   Coffee, instant          Cans, metallic or glass          24 months
                                  containers                       

  33\.   " "                      Aluminum foil or special paper   12 months
                                  packs                            

  34\.   Cake mixes               Paper or aluminum foil packs     18 months

  35\.   Flour                    Bags, cloth                      6 months

  36\.   Macaroni                 Cardboard packs or plastic bags  4 months

  37\.   Starch, all types        Paper or plastic packs           24 months

  38\.   Jelly powder             Paper or plastic packs           18 months

  39\.   Plain hard candy         Suitable packs                   24 months

  40\.   Enriched hard candy      Suitable packs                   12 months

  41\.   Soup powder              Paper, plastic or aluminum foil  18 months
                                  packs                            

  42\.   Soup, partially          Paper, plastic or aluminum foil  12 months
         dehydrated in cubic      packs                            
         form, etc                                                 

  43\.   Vinegar, all types       Glass containers                 24 months

  44\.   Halawa Tehiniah          Metallic or plastic packs        12 months

  45\.   " "                      Wrapped in paper or aluminum     6 months
                                  foil                             
  ------ ------------------------ -------------------------------- ---------

END OF REPORT