American Meat Institute Says Detection of novel H1N1 in Pigs In Minnesota Was Not Unexpected; U.S. Pork is Safe and Consumers Can Continue to Enjoy With Confidence

Attribute following statement to J. Patrick Boyle, president and CEO, American Meat Institute

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmation that pigs screened at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1 were positive novel H1N1 is not unexpected.  The finding does not change the fundamental fact that U.S. pork is safe and consumers can continue to enjoy it with confidence.

USDA scientists and experts around the world have underscored that novel H1N1 is not a foodborne disease; it is a respiratory infection that does not impact pork safety.

The U.S. government has many strict safeguards in place to protect the safety of our food supply.   All pork sold in the U.S. is inspected by USDA and must meet strict safety standards.   Every hog that is processed is inspected by a federal veterinarian to ensure that only healthy hogs are processed for food.   The ‘Inspected and Passed by USDA’ seal  shows that pork is wholesome  and safe to consume .

Consumers can continue to enjoy pork as part of a healthy, balanced diet.  It is important that consumers take care of their health.  An essential part of staying healthy is a eating a balanced diet that includes protein, vitamin and mineral-rich foods like pork. 

Additionally, we are confident that our trading partners will remember that several international organizations, including the World Organization for Animal Health, have advised that there is no scientific basis to restrict trade in pork and pork products.”

For more information, visit www.meatsafety.org.

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