Iraq seizes four refrigerated trucks carrying spoiled Ukrainian meat at Nineveh border crossing

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Border Crossings Authority said four refrigerated trucks carrying red meat from Ukraine were seized at the Rabia border crossing in Nineveh province after the cargo was found to be unfit for human consumption. Authority spokesman Alaa al-Din al-Qaisi said in a statement that the trucks had been held at the customs inspection yard for 20 days without completing the required procedures. The shipment was unable to proceed because it lacked a conformity certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, al-Qaisi said. A committee comprising representatives of the Health Department and veterinary quarantine units was formed at the customs center headquarters to inspect the cargo. The committee identified signs of decay and thawing and concluded that the meat was not suitable for human consumption. With the approval of the Rabia investigative judge, the trucks and their drivers were referred to the Rabia Customs Police Center, the spokesman added. Al-Qaisi said legal action will be taken against the importing company and the customs clearance agency. No further details were immediately available.