“Japan is a valuable export market for US pork producers representing 45 percent of all United States pork exports at a value of $1.070 billion. It is important that US pork producers take this issue seriously,” said Phil Seng, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Meat Export Federation.

“The United States can’t afford to lose this essential market, and unfortunately, just one out-of-compliance animal could put this strategic market at risk,” cautioned Seng.

On May 29 the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will implement new MRLs for veterinary drugs in food, including pork and pork products. To find out if your use of animal health products is affected by these new import standards:

• Contact your packer and find out if your hogs are being channeled to the Japanese export market.
• If your product is affected by these new regulations, visit the For Producers section of the Pork Checkoff’s Web site at /producers/JapanMRL.aspx to determine if medications being used in production are impacted by the new standards.
• Contact your veterinarian to discuss the new requirements and determine if animal-health products used in your operation are included in the information provided and require a change in usage.