Change in Japan's Disease Status Restricts Imports of Certain Meat Products

10/27/2010

On October 25, 2010, the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued an interim rule removing Japan from the list of regions considered to be free of both foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and rinderpest. APHIS also removed Japan from the list of FMD-free regions that are subject to certain import restrictions on meat and meat products because of their proximity to or trading relationships with FMD- or rinderpest- affected countries (75 FR 205). APHIS simultaneously added Japan to the list of countries free of rinderpest. This interim rule replaces the temporary restriction on commodities from Japan that could harbor the FMD virus, which APHIS issued after the existence of FMD was confirmed on April 20, 2010. The interim rule became effective October 25, 2010, however the restrictions were retroactively imposed to April 20, 2010.  

This action prohibits the importation of fresh beef from Japan for as long as Japan is not on the FMD-free list. It also restricts importation of ruminants, swine and certain other animal products from Japan.   

APHIS acknowledges that no new cases of FMD have been diagnosed in Japan since July 4, 2010 and intends to reassess the situation at a further date in accordance with the World Organization for Animal Health’s standards.

APHIS plans to consider comments during its reassessment process. APHIS intends to accept comments submitted before December 27, 2010. For more information on how to submit a comment, please contact a Barnes Richardson attorney.