1 Jul 2013

Turkey tails back in Samoa but with strict limits

7:43 pm on 1 July 2013

Samoa has lifted an import ban on turkey tails imposed about five years ago.

The ban was in place due to health concerns over the increase of non-communicable diseases as a result of consuming the high fat, low cost meat.

But our correspondent in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says that despite concern from health officials, the ban was lifted in order for Samoa to gain entry into the World Trade Organisation.

"This is the outcome of the negotiations between our government and top officials of the World Trade Organisation and the negotiation that was announced by the government was that after a year of becoming a member of the WTO, then Samoa will lift a ban on Turkey tails and that's the outcome. Today is the 1st of July, and today is one year now."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says the government has set an import duty of 300 percent for turkey tails with a strict requirement they only be used for private consumption and not for commercial purposes.