U.S. Pork is Safe and Not a Source of Influenza

Attribute to AMI President J. Patrick Boyle:

“Although news of influenza infections in people in Mexico, the U.S. and a handful of other countries is unsettling, the fact remains:  U.S. pork is safe.  Consuming pork has not been associated with human illnesses caused by this virus.  

Public health officials around the globe – from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the World Health Organization ─ are stressing this fact.  At this point, the influenza risk is a human health issue.  Although this particular virus could affect swine, it has not been reported in pigs.  Media reports showing images of pigs are creating a false impression that is generating needless alarm and concern regarding the safety of pork.  

In fact, the World Animal Health Organization – OIE – has suggested renaming the virus the North American Flu.  The original name was unfortunate and misleading because it suggests that there was a link when none had been confirmed.

 We are urging U.S. officials to work aggressively with a handful of nations that have ceased imports of U.S. pork to convey the science to secure a full restoration of trade.  These trade suspension actions are based on unfounded fear, not on scientific facts.  

Consumers can continue to enjoy vitamin-rich pork as part of a healthy, balanced diet.”

For a copy of the YouTube statement, click here:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTDHCWCVtAg

For audio clips of the statement, click here:  www.meatsafety.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/49145

 For a copy of AMI's Q and A's, click here:  www.meatsafety.org/ht/d/sp/i/49140/pid/49140

 For more information, visit http://www.meat%20safety.org/ or www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

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