Posted November 14, 2013
In response to recent statements from lawmakers, the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a correction, stating that poultry from China is not allowed for import to the United States, according to an Agri-Pulse article available here.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) made strongly-worded statements against USDA’s supposed approval of importing poultry processed in China.
Rep. DeLauro stated, “From chicken filled with illegal drugs, to pet treats filled with contaminated chicken, to the ongoing bird flu epidemic, China’s atrocious food safety record, and related concerns in the poultry sector make abundantly clear the current course being pursued by USDA jeopardizes the health of American consumers.” Sen. Schumer’s statements are available here.
USDA issued a correction in response, stating “USDA has not found China’s poultry slaughter system to be equivalent and therefore poultry slaughtered in China is not allowed to be imported to the United States. The U.S. food supply is among the safest in the world, and the Food Safety Inspection Service is dedicated to maintaining that status.” The USDA correction response is available here.
USDA is current conducting an audit of China’s poultry slaughter system, but the report has not been finalized. The Hill also reported on the story here.
For more information on food safety, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
Share: