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DLNR stays food ban for another month
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Posted on Feb 23 2001
Citing continued health hazard, the Department of Public Health advised officials of Lands and Natural Resources to extend existing ban on all food cargoes coming in from the Federated States of Micronesia.
In response, DLNR officials yesterday disclosed the food ban has been extended for another 30 days to prevent possible entry of cholera-tainted food supplies from FSM into the Northern Marianas.
The cholera epidemic in FSM remains unresolved. Officials said it might take another year to flush out the epidemic from the islands.
DLNR earlier requested the health department to issue assessment and evaluation report whether the food ban can be lifted. But officials were told that everything remains uncertain, and that the food ban must be extended until all cases are cleared.
Food cargoes except processed food and pelagic fish from FSM were ordered confiscated and be properly disposed of, as the government continue to take increased measures to arrest possible spread of cholera in the Northern Marianas.
By doing so, the government hopes to reduce or eventually eliminate the pre-epidemic levels of the rate of cholera cases in the CNMI. DLNR also banned entry of all food and other consumable products originating in Pohnpei.
DLNR Secretary Joaquin Tenorio earlier ordered all agriculture quarantine inspectors to thoroughly scrutinize the airline luggage tags on food cargo, personal baggage, coolers and all other types of packages coming from the FSM via Guam to determine point of origin.
In addition, the secretary also ordered all types of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans that originate from FSM to be shipped in frozen at the port of embarkation.
The emergency order of quarantine stemmed from the increasing number of cholera cases in Pohnpei and the risk posed by food the Micronesian island.
Foods originating from Pohnpei, according to reports, pose greater risk than those coming in from other FSM states.
There is a continuing need for immediate and definitive actions in the protection of health, safety and welfare of NMI people, officials said. The renewed order will remain in effect for 30 days. (EGA)
