Almost 20,000 pounds of animal products intercepted in LA.
Agricultural specialists with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have discovered 19,555 pounds of chicken, duck, beef, and pork coming in from China that were not on shipping manifests at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport between early April and early June of this year. The prohibited animal products were largely hidden within boxes containing other products, such as kitchenwares, LCD tablets, cell phone covers, and household goods, showing the clear intent to smuggle the illegal items into the U.S.
These prohibited meats are in high demand in certain communities in the U.S., and consumers are may be unaware of the restrictions on importing the goods. “Our close collaboration with our USDA strategic partners has resulted in an increased number of prohibited food products interceptions in a relatively short period of time,” said Carlos C. Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “CBP agriculture specialists remain committed and vigilant of foreign animal disease threats.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires certain entry documentation for these types of products. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reports that several varieties of illness affect China, including African Swine Fever, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, New Castle Disease, Foot and Mouth Disease, as well as other infections that could have a devastating impact on U.S. meat and poultry producers if introduced.
Donald R. Kusser, CBP Port Director of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, said, “Every day, CBP agriculture specialists protect the livelihoods of American farm workers, our food supply and ultimately our nation’s agriculture prosperity.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Customs and Border Protection specialists as they seek to protect U.S. agriculture.
- For Secretary Perdue as he leads the Department of Agriculture.
- For consumer demand for certain products to be obtain through safe and legal means.
Sources: CBP.gov, MarketScreener.com
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