U.S. Pork is Safe and Not a Source of Influenza
Consumers May Consume Pork Products As Part of Healthy Diet

Monday, April 27, 2009

Attribute to American Meat Institute (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. Consumers should continue to use normal safe handling practices when preparing fresh pork, like cooking thoroughly, keeping raw foods separate from cooked foods and washing hands, cutting boards and other surfaces and utensils that contact raw pork with hot soapy water.

Now, more than ever, it is important that consumers take care of their health. An essential part of staying healthy is eating a balanced diet that includes vitamin and mineral-rich foods like pork."

For a copy of the YouTube statement, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTDHCWCVtAg (opens new window)

For audio clips of the statement, click here: http://www.meatsafety.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/49145 (opens new window)

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

For more information, visit http://www.meatsafety.org or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu (links open in new windows)