Prohibited meat carrying potential diseases from China is being seized at alarming rates in Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport.

Source: NTD/YouTube

From October to December 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reportedly intercepted 262,237 pounds of banned pork, chicken, beef, and duck products from China. This was a 33 percent increase from the same period of the previous year.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBP confiscated 786,514 pounds of prohibited animal products, an 80 percent increase from the prior year.

When banned animal products are intercepted, CBP issues an Emergency Action Notification to destroy the contraband or re-export it. China is a country that is often infected by African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, virulent Newcastle Disease, Foot and Mouth Disease, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and Swine Vesicular disease.

From October 2020 to the end of September 2021, the ports issued 1,256 Emergency Action Notifications, a 52 percent increase from the previous year. The products were often found in boxes like e-commerce or household goods in a blatant attempt to smuggle the prohibited meat into the country.

These unregulated animal products from China are often in high demand from the U.S. because of the price. These people attempt to smuggle this unregulated meat for profit, with absolutely no regard for public health or consumer safety. These products also pose a risk to the agriculture industry in the United States, where these potential diseases could spread quickly.

.@CBP agriculture specialists & @USDA protect the livelihoods of US farm workers, our food supply & our nation’s agriculture prosperity. Great job by @CBPLosAngeles intercepting over 20,000 lbs of prohibited meats from China. We’re keeping America safe. https://t.co/xOO3dlYcW1 pic.twitter.com/2y2pwuZJRz

— CBP Mark Morgan (@CBPMarkMorgan) June 20, 2020

“CBP plays a major role in protecting American consumers and the agriculture industry from pests and diseases.” Donald R. Kusser, CBP Port Director of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, said. “These unprecedented numbers reflect the critical role and outstanding contributions of CBP’s agriculture specialists, they have been working tirelessly identifying, intercepting and seizing these prohibited items.”

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