Asian countries still cautious about US poultry

AS THE avian flu (H5N2 and H5N8) outbreak continues to wreak havoc in parts* of the United States, about 10% of the poultry business has to date, eliminated nearly 40 million birds, most of which were laying hens and turkeys, the US Department of Agriculture told Reuters.

As a preventive measure, countries like China continue to impose a total ban on broilers and turkeys coming from the US. South Korea also stopped the import of non-heated poultry and poultry products originating from the US.  But Hong Kong has barred poultry meat and poultry meat products only from the US states affected by the outbreak. It continues to import cooked or heat-treated poultry products. Taiwan has stopped importing poultry and poultry products from the affected states only. These countries are among the top 10 export destinations for US poultry and poultry products.

Air of uncertainty

The avian flu threat is said to be waning since US suppliers are taking all measures to protect their poultry farms, and the situation would likely be under control in the coming months as the summer heat would reduce the presence of virus, the USDA also said. But the agency also warned of uncertainty in the autumn months since fall is also the time when birds migrate and cooler temperatures may likely encourage the spread of the virus. The USDA advises poultry owners not only in the US, but to neighboring Mexico as well, to continue to enforce strict biosecurity measures.    

Egg shortage?

However, the effect on the food business remains as to price and availability. Food companies in the US are still concerned about the likely shortage of eggs, and are already sourcing alternatives including vegan egg substitute. Other companies have taken further steps including working to subtract egg from their recipes until the whole situation improves.

The wholesale price of eggs has risen by 71% and about 17% for retail since April, according to a report in The Guardian. This means the prices of products with eggs such as mayonnaise, ice cream, etc., will increase as a result. Prices for liquid, dried and frozen eggs mostly used by food manufacturers have also gone up.

Meanwhile, the US Food & Drug Administration said that eggs sold in retail shops are safe for consumption.

*US states affected by avian flu: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesotta, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Indiana (The New York Times/14 May 2015)

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