January 27, 2004

Japan Bans Poultry Imports From Laos, Pakistan

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said Tuesday it has banned poultry imports from Laos and Pakistan in the wake of bird flu outbreaks there, Kyodo News reported.

The import ban covers processed food and eggs.

With the latest decision, Tokyo has banned poultry imports from 11 countries and territories including Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan.

But the latest action is expected to have little impact on domestic consumption because Japan actually imports no poultry from Laos and Pakistan, according to the ministry.