Iraqis Shun Imported Meat Despite Government Assurances, Citing Health Concerns

Despite the large-scale importation of red meat into Iraq and its significantly lower cost compared to locally sourced meat, many citizens are avoiding its purchase due to health concerns and a lack of trust in its safety. This reluctance persists even as the Ministry of Agriculture asserts that all imported meat and livestock undergo rigorous health inspections both in their country of origin and upon arrival in Iraq.

Iraq relies heavily on imported red meat to stabilize and reduce the prices of domestic meat. In February 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture authorized the import of cattle and sheep for both slaughter and breeding purposes, aiming to control the soaring prices of local meat in the market. However, health experts have raised alarms about the potential risks of consuming imported frozen meat.

Dr. Muslim Abbas, a specialist in immunology, warns that “the importation of frozen meat could lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, elevated blood fat levels, and other complications.” Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Dr. Abbas highlighted the dangers of imported meat, noting that it is often high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels, cause arterial hardening, raise blood pressure, and contribute to weight gain.

In 2022, Iraq imported approximately 90 tons of meat, valued at over $200 million, according to statistics from the Ministry of Trade. Mohammed Al-Khuzai, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, explained that the meat is sourced from multiple global suppliers, including Brazil, Colombia, Australia, and Georgia. He added that the ministry has also established connections with African countries known for their vast pastures, such as Mongolia, under strict veterinary health conditions.

Al-Khuzai emphasized that Iraqi health teams visit the exporting countries to inspect animal pastures and ensure the absence of epidemics before granting import licenses. Upon arrival in Iraq, the livestock undergoes a 21-day quarantine and additional inspections. This year, the ministry permitted the import of around 325 heads of cattle for slaughter, which has contributed to a 30-40% reduction in red meat prices, making it more accessible to lower-income segments of society.

Despite these measures, many Iraqis remain skeptical. Zina Al-Baghdadi, a 45-year-old homemaker, told Shafaq News that her family avoids imported meat due to health concerns and uncertainty about its origins and slaughter methods. She also pointed out that the expiration dates on some imported meat products are unclear or easily tampered with, raising further doubts about their safety.

Gazzi Abdul Karim, a 35-year-old citizen, echoed these concerns, stating, “No amount of money is worth compromising human health. Buying cheap food that poses health risks later is unacceptable.” While acknowledging that lower-income families may benefit from the reduced prices, Abdul Karim believes that importing meat is not an ideal solution to the high cost of local meat.

Economic experts attribute the reliance on imports to the high production costs of domestic meat. Ahmed Abed Rabbo, an economist, noted that “the elevated cost of local meat production encourages increased imports.” He stressed the need for investment in developing Iraq’s pastures and livestock sector, which could create jobs and help the country achieve self-sufficiency in meat and animal products.

Currently, the price of imported veal ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram, while local Iraqi meat costs between 18,000 and 20,000 dinars per kilogram. Despite the significant price difference, many Iraqis avoid imported meat, citing its inferior taste compared to local “Harfi” meat and fears that it may come from dead or diseased animals.

Saad Al-Obaidi, a 45-year-old market owner, told Shafaq News that while imported meat resembles local meat in appearance, it requires longer cooking times. He noted that the primary consumers of imported meat are restaurants and food processing businesses, rather than individual households.

As Iraq continues to grapple with balancing affordability and safety, the debate over imported meat highlights the broader challenges of ensuring food security and public health in the country.