Emily Carter
In 2015, there was a controversy regarding US-based chicken producers shipping chickens to China for processing and then reshipping them back to the US for consumption. This practice was banned in 2015, and currently, all poultry products are ineligible for export to China. However, critics have raised concerns about food safety and the potential risk of cross-contamination, especially in the context of China's record of food safety issues and the absence of country-of-origin labeling. While some argue that proper cooking eliminates food safety risks, others question the economic feasibility of shipping chicken over 7,000 miles for processing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken producers shipping chickens to China for processing | There is no clear evidence of chicken producers shipping chickens to China for processing. However, there have been concerns and speculations about this practice, especially in 2015. |
| Chicken trade between the US and China | In 2015, the US allowed chicken from the US to be shipped to China for processing and then shipped back for consumption. However, effective January 9, 2015, all poultry products became ineligible for export to China. In 2021, China began exporting cooked chicken to the US as part of a bilateral trade deal. |
| Food safety concerns | Critics have pointed to China's record of food safety issues, including the presence of antibiotic residues, heavy metals, and zoonotic bacteria. The US has implemented measures to ensure food safety, such as inspections by the USDA and FSIS. |
| Economic considerations | The US is the largest poultry producer in the world, while China is the second-largest. China's demand for chicken meat and the cost savings associated with processing in China are economic factors in the chicken trade between the two countries. |
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What You'll Learn
The US-China chicken trade
The US and China have historically had a turbulent relationship when it comes to the trade of chicken and chicken products. While the US is the largest poultry producer in the world, China is the third leading supplier of food and agricultural imports to the US.
In 2010, the US shipped over 750,000 tons of chicken meat, including 420,000 tons of chicken paws (chicken feet), to China. Exports were valued at $682 million, the highest they have ever been. However, in the same year, the US International Trade Commission determined that a surge in tire imports from China was causing market disruptions for US tire makers. This led to increased ad valorem duties on Chinese tire imports, to which China retaliated by imposing high anti-dumping and countervailing duties on US chicken exports. As a result, the flow of US chicken exports to China slowed significantly.
In 2013, China confirmed 1,557 human cases of AH7N9 flu and 370 deaths, raising concerns about the safety of poultry imports from the country. Despite this, in 2015, four Chinese poultry processors were approved to ship a limited amount of processed chicken to the US. This caused concern among American consumers about food safety and the lack of country-of-origin labelling on imported poultry products.
In 2019, China lifted its ban on importing US chicken, which had been in place since 2015 due to an outbreak of avian influenza in the US. As part of a bilateral trade deal, China agreed to accept imports of US beef and liquefied natural gas in exchange for the US allowing China to export cooked poultry meat to the US.
While the US-China chicken trade has faced challenges, the Phase One trade agreement between the two countries includes provisions that could facilitate future growth in chicken meat trade. China has recognised the oversight of US meat and poultry facilities by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and has agreed to maintain measures consistent with international animal health guidelines. These agreements are expected to strengthen export access for the US chicken industry and ease food safety concerns.
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Food safety concerns
The practice of shipping chickens from the US to China for processing and then back to the US for consumption has raised food safety concerns. While some chicken processing plants in China may adhere to strict safety and quality standards, others may not follow such rigorous guidelines.
In 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a report on the food safety system governing the processing of chicken for export in China. The report found that China's inspection system was equivalent to that of the US, meaning that it provided the same level of food safety. However, critics have pointed to China's record of food safety issues and argued that trade deals prioritise commerce over public health. China has had frequent outbreaks of deadly avian influenza, which it has sometimes been slow to report.
To address these concerns, the FSIS has implemented several measures. Firstly, they conduct on-site audits of Chinese poultry processing plants at least annually to verify that they are meeting the required standards. Secondly, they have determined that China can only export domestically slaughtered poultry meat to the US if it is cooked, as there are risks associated with raw poultry and avian flu. Thirdly, the FSIS will conduct annual reviews of China's equivalency status and on-site audits to ensure compliance. Fourthly, inspectors conduct port-of-entry re-inspections for all imported products.
Despite these measures, some consumers remain concerned about the food safety of chicken processed in China. The absence of on-site USDA inspectors and the lack of country-of-origin labelling on processed poultry products have been cited as issues. There are also concerns about the shipping conditions of chickens, with some people believing that chickens may be transported in cramped and inhumane conditions.
Overall, while there are stringent inspection and safety measures in place, the decision to allow chicken processing in China has sparked debate among food safety advocates and members of Congress. Some argue that China's food safety record is questionable, while others maintain that the FSIS's rigorous inspection program ensures the safety of imported chicken products.
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Poultry processing
At the slaughterhouse, birds are usually stunned by running their heads through an electrically charged water bath, after which their jugular veins and carotid arteries are cut, either by hand or with a mechanical knife. The birds are then permitted to bleed out for a fixed time, depending on their size and species.
Following slaughter, potential sources of contamination include contact with feathers, feet, and intestinal contents, as well as the use of contaminated equipment and physical manipulation of the meat. Proper handling, storage, and cooking are crucial to preventing microbial contamination.
In terms of chicken producers shipping their chickens to China for processing, there is limited information available. Some sources mention concerns that American companies may be sending their chickens to China for processing and then reshipping them to the US for sale. However, there is no clear indication of which companies or producers are engaging in this practice. It is important to note that Chinese poultry processing plants must meet certain standards and pass inspections to be approved for exporting poultry to the United States.
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Cost savings
The primary cost saving comes from the lower labour costs in China. Charles Bundrant, the founder of Trident, a company that ships seafood to China for processing, highlighted the significant difference in labour costs between the two countries. He stated that a task that would cost his company $1 per pound in labour costs in the US could be completed in China for 20 cents per pound. This substantial reduction in labour costs is a key factor in the decision to outsource processing to China.
In addition to labour costs, there may be other cost savings for chicken producers who utilise Chinese processing plants. Firstly, shipping chickens to China for processing may allow companies to reduce their overheads by laying off workers in the US. This could result in significant cost savings for these companies, although it may negatively impact employment levels in the domestic processing industry. Furthermore, the proximity of China to Southeast Asian markets may also provide cost savings for companies looking to access these markets. By processing chickens in China, companies may be able to take advantage of reduced transportation costs when exporting to these nearby markets.
However, it is important to note that the overall profitability of re-shipping chickens to China for processing has been questioned. The additional transportation costs incurred by shipping products 7,000 miles to China and then back again may offset any labour cost savings. Furthermore, the quality advantage of US chicken products in the Chinese market may also impact the feasibility of re-shipping. US chicken exporters often command a premium price for their products in China due to their superior quality. Therefore, the potential cost savings from utilising Chinese labour may be outweighed by the loss of this quality-driven price advantage.
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Food labelling
In 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) approved a final report allowing chicken meat to be exported to China for processing. This decision sparked concerns among consumers and food safety advocates due to China's history of food safety issues and the absence of on-site USDA inspectors. The lack of country-of-origin labelling on processed poultry products further complicated the matter, making it challenging for consumers to know the source of their chicken.
To address these concerns, the USDA implemented specific regulations for exports to China. All meat and poultry export certificates must be digitally signed, and export applicants must select the type of exporting establishment, such as slaughtering or processing plants. Additionally, the USDA conducts on-site audits of foreign processing plants at least annually to verify that they meet the required standards. These measures aim to ensure that exported chicken products meet food safety requirements.
However, the issue of country-of-origin labelling remains unresolved. Processed chicken products, such as canned chicken noodle soup or chicken nuggets, are not required to bear labels identifying their country of processing. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among consumers who wish to make informed choices about their food purchases.
To ensure trust and confidence in the food industry, it is crucial for labelling practices to be transparent and informative. Consumers have a right to know the origins of their food, especially when it comes to products with a history of safety concerns. By providing clear and accurate labelling, producers can uphold their commitment to consumer safety and enable consumers to make informed decisions about the food they consume.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2019, there were reports of chicken producers sending frozen chicken to China for processing and then shipping it back to the US for consumption. However, as of 2015, all poultry products are ineligible for export to China.
Chicken producers may send their chickens to China for processing due to significant cost savings. For example, American poultry processors are paid roughly $11 per hour on average, while chicken workers in China can earn significantly less at $1 to $2 per hour.
There have been concerns about China's record on food safety, with critics arguing that trade deals prioritize commerce over public health. However, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) determined in 2006 that China's inspection system was equivalent to that of the United States.
Consuming improperly processed or undercooked chicken can pose food safety risks. Zoonotic bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter can cross the species barrier and cause illnesses in humans.
China has been exporting chicken meat to the United States as part of a bilateral trade deal. China is the second-largest producer of chicken meat globally and the fifth-largest exporter.
