New Japanese market requirements came into effect on May 29. These market specifications required imported pork products to comply with modified withdrawal periods for certain animal health products. “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 U.S. pork producers take this issue seriously,“ said Phil Seng, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Meat Export Federation.

The Pork Checkoff, in collaboration with several animal health companies has offered information on modified withdrawal periods for several affected veterinary products.

“In cooperation with the AASV, withdrawal information on specific products is now available on a much simplified, searchable, sortable and printable database on the revamped Web site,“ said Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff. “The information on the site will be updated each time an animal health product company provides us with updated or new information.“

Recommended withdrawal periods to comply with new Japanese MRL requirements apply to the breeding herd and finishing animals. The AASV has provided recommendations for veterinarians to help their clients meet Japanese market specifications in these production areas. A document with these recommendations can be found on the pork.org Web site.

“The AASV is recommending veterinarians use sound science to help their clients comply with Japanese market specifications and that veterinarians and producers use only those products listed in the database,“ said Sundberg. “We hope to do our part by keeping the best and most updated information available and in an easy-to-use format always within reach.“

ThePigSite News Desk