MAF has been ordered to go back to the drawing board on pork regulations, after an independent panel found nearly 30 deficiencies in its provisional import health standards for pig meat.

The report says current standards don’t adequately protect against biosecurity breaches, including the potentially devastating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome.

 New Zealand Pork CEO Sam McIvor says the report is a victory for the industry after a four-year battle.

 Federated Farmers spokesperson John Hartnell says the decision should lead to more collaboration on biosecurity.