China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced on Friday that it has suspended the import qualifications of six U.S. companies. The move is aimed at protecting public health and ensuring the safety of China’s livestock industry.
The suspensions affect a variety of U.S. exports, including sorghum, poultry meat, bone meal, and other poultry products. Among the companies affected, C&D (USA) Inc. is banned from exporting sorghum, while American Proteins, Inc., Mountaire Farms of Delaware, Inc., and Darling Ingredients Inc. are suspended from shipping poultry meat and bone meal. Additionally, Mountaire Farms of Delaware, Inc. and Coastal Processing, LLC are barred from exporting poultry products to China.
The suspension follows recent inspections by Chinese customs, which found violations in the imports. Sorghum shipments from the U.S. were found to contain Zearalenone and mold content exceeding safe limits. Meanwhile, U.S. poultry meat and bone meal were found to be contaminated with Salmonella, a harmful bacterium.
An official from the General Administration of Customs explained that Zearalenone is a mycotoxin that can be harmful to both animals and humans. If it enters the food chain, it poses health risks. Salmonella contamination in poultry products can lead to foodborne illness in humans, causing symptoms like diarrhea, and in severe cases, death.
The suspension is part of China’s efforts to enforce its food safety laws and safeguard public health. The measures are also in line with international practices and regulations, according to the GAC.
This action highlights China’s ongoing commitment to improving its inspection and quarantine procedures for imported agricultural and food products. Chinese authorities have emphasized their dedication to ensuring the safety of the nation’s consumers and livestock industries.
Customs officials made it clear that they will continue to strengthen border security by rigorously monitoring the safety of agricultural imports.
