Canada Resumes Pork Exports to China

(PR–USA.net)

Canada concluded a certification agreement to allow Canadian pork exports to China to resume. This agreement is the final step required to effectively lift the ban that was imposed last year due to concerns over H1N1. The Chinese market is important to Canada. In 2008, Canadian pork exports to China totalled $47 million. China has been identified by Canada Pork International as a priority market in its export market development strategy.

“This news is welcomed by Canada’s pork industry,” says Edouard Asnong, President of Canada Pork International. “The federal government has worked tirelessly to reopen this important market for our products. The development comes after many high-level interventions from Canadian government officials.”

Bans on imports of pork and swine from countries with human or animal cases of H1N1 do not comply with international standards. The World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) all agree no additional trade restrictions should be imposed on pork that has passed veterinary inspection. Influenza is not a food-borne illness and does not affect pork safety. Read more here.