May 4, 2006

 

US group: Japan to adopt new limits for drug residues in pork

 

 

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare will implement new maximum residue limits for veterinary drugs  in food, including pork and pork products on May 29. This will apply to all pork imports as well, according to a release from the National Pork Board (NPB).

 

The NPB said producers selling hogs to packers who export pork to Japan are expected to be able to satisfy these requirements but should take steps to find out if changes to their production practices are required.

 

Phil Seng, CEO of the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), said in the release that "Japan is a valuable export market for US pork producers, representing 45 percent of all United States pork exports at a value of US$1.070 billion. It is important that US pork producers take this issue seriously."

 

"The United States cannot afford to lose this essential market, and unfortunately, just one out-of-compliance animal could put this strategic market at risk," said Seng.

 

The NPB's website includes a link to a question-and-answer page about the new Japanese standards on the USMEF's website. On that page, the USMEF says that currently about 3 percent to 5 percent of the shipments imported by Japan are inspected, and that is not expected to change. However, the number of substances to be tested for and the number of samples taken during an inspection will increase.

 

The NPB said that US pork producers are required to adhere to animal health product withdrawal standards determined by the US Food and Drug Administration. By following product label guidelines, producers will satisfy most of the new Japanese guidelines as well, the organisation said.

 

Industry sources said most if not all packers have sent letters to their hog suppliers, including livestock dealers, advising them of the situation and to ensure compliance.

 

The NPB advises producers to contact the packer or packers they sell hogs to and to find out if their animals are being channelled into the Japanese export market. Also, producers need to determine if the new regulations will require changes to their animal health product usage, the NPB's release said.

 

Producers may also need to consult with their veterinarian about certain medications or to work with them in considering the medication choices to be used in the finisher phase and to develop appropriate treatment protocols.