Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT) today applauded the strong public health provisions included in the final conference agreement for 2010 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations with regard to imported poultry products from China.

“From the very beginning, I have insisted that the question of processed Chinese poultry imports be taken as a public health issue that must not be entangled in trade discussions,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “This conference report language provides meaningful assurances that the public health will be protected and that adequate preventive measures will be taken to ensure poultry products from China are safe.

“The final conference language would firmly establish that Chinese poultry imports must live up to American sanitary conditions before being shipped to the U.S. This includes requiring more on-site audits, more on-site inspections, and an increased level of port-of-entry re-inspections. The language also requires USDA to report frequently to Congress on the implementation of any rule authorizing China to export poultry products to the U.S. This will allow USDA to monitor conditions in China on a frequent basis.

“In short, this new language ensures the USDA will perform the necessary inspection and monitoring functions to minimize possible food safety threats from Chinese processed poultry imports. I look forward to working with the Secretary as this process moves forward.”