Rep. Foster Calls Chinese Intent to Lift Ban on American Pork Imports an ‘Important First Step’

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Washington, Nov 2 - Today, Rep. Bill Foster released the following statement in regard to China’s announcement last week that the country intends to lift the ban that they imposed on American pork imports. The ban went into effect in May of 2009.

“As a scientist, I know that China’s decision to ban American pork imports after the initial outbreak of the H1N1 virus was not based on data or scientific principles, as humans cannot contract the disease from properly prepared pork products. As a businessman, I understand the economic damage that has been done to American pork producers as a result of this ban – particularly to the pork producers in Illinois.

The announcement of intent by China to remove the ban is an important first step, and I hope that the Chinese market will quickly be re-opened to American pork imports. In addition, I want to commend U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for his work on this issue.”