The U.S. has requested the World Trade Organization help settle a dispute over Indian restrictions on imports of American agricultural products including poultry meat and chicken eggs. The U.S. says Indian measures imposed to prevent entry of avian influenza are inconsistent with international guidelines and the standards India sets for its domestic industry, reports the Associated Press

“It is essential that U.S. farmers obtain the reliable market access that India agreed to,” said Ambassador Rom Kirk. “The United States holds its agriculture industry to the highest standards of safety and is confident the WTO will agree that there is no justification for India's restrictions on U.S. exports.”

The United States requested formal consultations with India on March 7, 2012. The United States and India held consultations on April 16-17, 2012, without resolution of the matter.

Source: AP, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative