FSM food ban to be lifted soon By MARIAN A. MARAYA

The Department of Lands and Natural Resources is moving toward the lifting of the ban on the importation of food from the Federated States of Micronesia following reports that the cholera epidemic in the state of Pohnpei has been contained.

DLNR Secretary Joaquin Tenorio and Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez recently met to assess a report by the FSM cholera task force assuring the CNMI government the epidemic in under control.

“We are currently reviewing our quarantine order with the Commonwealth Health Center and trying to modify it because we cannot continue to apply these restrictions. We will eventually be lifting the ban,” said the secretary.

DLNR is only awaiting input from the CHC staff based on the health sector’s review of the present epidemic conditions.

“We have been told that the situation has been contained so what we’re trying to do is continue to be vigilant as we receive food materials form FSM, apply restrictions that are appropriate from unaffected states and release them after thorough inspection,” said Dr. Tenorio.

According to local officials, the easing of the emergency order is expected to be implemented this week, but added that DLNR may not have to issue another quarantine order but instead release a policy on the relaxed FSM food ban as the need arises.

“We’re also collaborating with Guam as to what restrictions they apply. And we’re trying to put together an order that would reflect all this,” he said.

CNMI, FSM, and Guam public health and environment officials last week held formal talks to discuss the cholera situation in Pohnpei and its impact on the food export activities in FSM.

Dr. Tenorio and Secretary Villagomez have been tasked by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to hold dialog with officials from Guam and FSM upon the FSM government’s request.

FSM’s quarantine division has reportedly taken extra steps to beef up inspection to contain the spread of vibrio cholera bacteria in the state of Pohnpei.

“Fortunately, Pohnpei has done quite a bit of work to try to control and contain the cholera. At the same time, it is quite fortunate that Yap, Kosrae, and other states are not infected with the bacteria, we’ve learned,” Dr. Tenorio said earlier.

Dr. Tenorio also mentioned that health officials are mainly concerned on seafood (crabs, shellfish) and unprocessed food items that are brought into the Northern Marianas for personal consumption.