DLNR lifts FSM food ban

Lands and Natural Resources officials yesterday lifted restrictions imposed on certain food products coming in from the Federated States of Micronesia.

Following reports of complete eradication of cholera epidemic in the State of Pohnpei, DLNR Secretary Joaquin S. Tenorio canceled latest Emergency Order of Quarantine signed in February 6, this year.

In a memorandum, Mr. Tenorio ordered the lifting of food ban after Pohnpei officials declared FSM cholera-free. A Cholera Epidemic Declaration was released after repeated cholera test on Pohnpei yielded negative results.

In June 2000, DLNR issued an emergency order restricting entry of certain food products from FSM due to the reported outbreak of cholera cases in that country.

Last month, DLNR renewed its quarantine orders after reports from Department of Public Health of persistent cholera cases. The emergency order of quarantine stemmed from the increasing number of cholera cases in Pohnpei and the risk posed by food from Pohnpei.

Food originating from Pohnpei, according to reports, pose greater risk than those coming in from other Micronesian states.

Food cargoes except processed food and pelagic fish from FSM were ordered confiscated and be properly disposed of, as the government continue to take tighter measures to thwart the spread of cholera in the CNMI.

Pohnpei, has battled an outbreak of cholera since April 2000 where 3,800 people were diagnosed with the disease and more than 20 people have reportedly died.

Similarly, cholera-tainted seafood brought in from FSM had been blamed for the food poisoning incident that occured at a wedding reception in a hotel on Saipan in June 2000.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio had ordered indefinite ban on importation of seafood and other food items, whether raw or cooked, coming from FSM states of Chuuk, Yap and Pohnpei.

Quarantine personnel at all air and sea ports were then promptly mobilized to guard against the entry of these food items, warning those who violate the ban will face confiscation of the cargo and payment of fees for incineration.

Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez previously advised travelers to FSM, particularly to Pohnpei, to take precautionary measures to prevent the virus from spreading in the Commonwealth.

A list of preventative measures from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia had been spread around government offices and media services to ensure that the information is disseminated to the public. (EGA)