Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

CNMI tightens ban on food from Pohnpei

POHNPEI, Palikir (FSM Information Service): July 2000 – The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has issued an emergency order of quarantine restricting food from Pohnpei State from entering, effective July 17, according to information received by the FSM Consulate General on Guam.

The order issued by Joaquin A. Tenorio, secretary of CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources, modifies the Emergency of Order of Quarantine executed on June 23.

The new order states the following:

  1. Agriculture Quarantine Inspectors shall thoroughly inspect the airline luggage tags on food cargo, personal baggage, coolers, and all other types of packages coming from the Federated States of Micronesia via Guam to determine point of embarkation, or origin.

  2. All food (frozen, cooked or uncooked) and other consumable products, including but not necessarily limited to sakau and betelnut, originating in Pohnpei is restricted from entry into the Commonwealth until the Vibrio cholera epidemic in Pohnpei is officially declared under control and this order is rescinded or modified.

  3. Food cargo originating in Pohnpei, including containers and contents, shall be confiscated and properly disposed. The owner of the cargo shall be consulted on disposal method, whenever possible.

  4. All fish, shellfish and crustaceans which originate in the States of Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap must be cooked and frozen to at least 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or below, before it may be admitted into the Commonwealth.

  5. The CNMI Agriculture Quarantine may take samples of fish, shellfish and crustaceans, which originate in the States of Chuuk, Kosrae or Yap. Immediately upon the taking of any such sample, the Bureau of Environmental Health shall be asked to retrieve the sample and submit it for testing for the presence of Vibrio at the CHC Laboratory and/or Guam Public Health. The container and all contents from which any sample is taken for testing shall be held by Quarantine until all required laboratory tests and results are completed and received by the Department of Public Health.

  6. This Order shall remain in effect for 30 days from the date signed unless earlier modified or extended.