US: Ag Secretary makes statement on Japan tragedy and food imports

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on the recent tragedies in Japan and also spoke of food imports into the US from Japan.

Vilsack stated: “I know that there are many questions Americans might have about the terrible tragedies in Japan. I want to reassure the American public that at this time we have no reason to suggest that any of our meat, poultry, or processed egg products are unsafe for consumption due to the recent events in Japan.”

He further added, “Our food imports from Japan are quite limited. What we do import must meet the safety standards of this country. We monitor and inspect imports to insure compliance with those standards. Should any risk with imports arise, we have procedures and processes in place to identify problems and deal with them. While we continue to offer aid and assistance to the Japanese we do not intend to lose sight of our core mission which is make sure our food remains safe, abundant, and affordable.”

More Information:
•USDA’s Radiation Safety Questions and Answers
•FDA’s Radiation Safety Questions and Answers
•CDC Radiation Preparedness and Response
•EPA Radiation in Perspective
•USDA, FDA, NOAA Food Safety Talking Points for Post-Tsunami Safety

Source: USDA