A delegation led by the Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Furche, the National Director of the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG), Angel Sartori, the manager of the Association of Pork Producers (Asprocer) Rodrigo Castañón, and the deputy Health Agrosuper, Gonzalo Mena, officially received the recognition.

The certification places Chile in a good position to increase its exports of pork, which currently make up 50% of production in the country.

Chile was the only South American country to receive recognition among 23 other countries, with the exception of two states of Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina).

The Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Furche, said: "More than symbolic of being the only South American country, is the fact that this recognition is going to become the standard that will require major markets to accept meat imports pig in its different preparations.

"For Chile this means the real possibility of broadening participation in major markets."

Mr Furche also appreciated the recognition of a joint effort that dates back at least 20 years.

"This can only be achieved in a long-term work with a public-private collaboration," said the Minister.

In turn, Mr Castañón, said: "This result realises public-private work that tends to maintain and improve the health status of Chile and, in turn, puts us in a different position relative to other pig producing countries. Is an important support to the Chilean pig sector."