Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Tragedies in Japan, Effects on U.S. Food Imports

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Tragedies in Japan, Effects on U.S. Food Imports

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2011- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement on the recent tragedies in Japan:

"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, dairy or processed egg products are unsafe for consumption due to the recent events in Japan. 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."