Following the March 15, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) seizure of a large shipment of illegal pork products from China, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) pointed out that the contraband shipment, which will be safely and securely destroyed in accordance with U.S. government policy, reportedly contained products derived from pork, such as flavorings in ramen noodles, and did not include fresh meat.

It is illegal to import pork products into the U.S. from countries, like China, that are positive for African swine fever (ASF), a disease that only affects pigs and that poses no human health or food safety risks, NPPC said in its statement.

"Preventing the spread of African swine fever to the U.S. is our top priority. We are thankful to CBP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their increased vigilance and the expanded resources they have put in place to prevent ASF's spread to the U.S. -- a development that would threaten animal health and immediately close our export markets at a time when we are already facing serious trade headwinds," NPPC said.

Noting discussions it had with CBP, NPPC also pointed out that the 1 million lb. reported was an estimate based on the total amount of material that could be held in the 40-50 containers seized; it is not the actual amount of pork product. Many of the products contained pork flavoring ingredients in items like ramen noodles and candy made from gelatin, NPPC added.

"Illegal import/export activities like this can't stand and must be met with swift and severe penalties to discourage others from attempting to transport contraband products across our borders. Prevention of ASF is our only defense. We must remain on high alert at our airports and seaports to prevent the illegal entry of meat products and be diligent in our farm biosecurity protocols. We are hopeful that others considering illegal import/export activity like this will take note of the severe consequences," NPPC said.

Along with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the National Pork Board and the Swine Health Information Center, NPPC said it will continue to advocate for safeguards to protect U.S. pork producer interests, including:

* Advocating for heightened surveillance of passengers and cargo entering from ASF-positive countries (such as the recently announced funding for 60 new beagle inspection teams);

* Ongoing conversations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CBP and other government partners (including support for collaboration with Canada and Mexico to prevent the spread of ASF to North America);

* Funds for additional agricultural product inspectors;

* Coordination with the feed industry and government officials to address feed safety research on virus mitigation, feed sampling and testing protocols, and

* Support for increased disease surveillance and approved diagnostics.