Dear Ambassador Zhou:
I am writing with regard to efforts of U.S. porcine protein producers to resume exports to China.Following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a cow in the United Statesin December 2003, China prohibited the importation of U.S. porcine proteins. These proteins consistof blood, plasma, and gelatin derived from hogs. China’s General Administration of QualitySupervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) justified this ban due to concerns that porcineproteins might be commingled with bovine proteins.
Certain plants in the United States are dedicated solely to producing porcine proteins; bovineproteins are simply not present in these plants. Accordingly, it would be impossible for porcineproducts processed in these “single species" facilities to become mixed with bovine materials.Therefore, concerns of AQSIQ regarding commingling in these plants are scientifically unfounded.Officials from AQSIQ conducted audits of U.S. porcine protein production facilities last June.Through these visits, AQSIQ observed first-hand the impossibility of porcine proteins beingcommingled with bovine proteins. AQSIQ’s concerns, therefore, should have been allayed.Regardless, China continues to ban the importation of U.S. porcine proteins, including porcineproteins from “single species" plants.
China’s continued ban on the importation of U.S. porcine proteins is not based on science, and,accordingly, this ban apparently contravenes China’s obligations under the Agreement on theApplication of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) of the World TradeOrganization (WTO). I note as well that the International Office of Epizootics -- which is recognizedas a standard-setting organization under the SPS Agreement -- has stated that commodities other thancattle are not known to transmit BSE and that, for this reason, trade of non-cattle commodities (e.g.,porcine proteins) should not be restricted on account of BSE. Moreover, I am unaware whether theWTO was notified of China’s prohibition on imports of U.S. porcine proteins as required under theSPS Agreement.
The jobs of many Iowans are at risk due to this unjustified import ban. I urge you to use everyavailable effort to see that this import prohibition is lifted as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
-30-
Source: Ranking Member’s News
