Japan approves heat-treated US chicken imports

Officials described the decision as a science-based, risk-management approach that balances public health protection with trade continuity.

It also reflects the growing collaboration between the US and Japan in applying international standards for animal health and food safety.

The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) welcomed the new protocol, citing strong Japanese demand for US processed poultry products like smoked turkey drumsticks.

The group said the arrangement supports uninterrupted supply and demonstrates Japan’s continued trust in US safety and inspection systems.

Stringent auditing

Earlier this year, Japanese auditors visited Integra Foods’ processing plant in North Carolina to assess compliance with heat-treatment and biosecurity requirements. The facility was subsequently authorized to export cooked poultry from an HPAI-affected region. It is the first plant to get approval.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has since published guidelines in its Export Library for other processors seeking similar approval.

Market impact

Between January and August 2025, Japan imported more than 700,000 tons of chicken, mainly from Thailand, Brazil, and China. US exports during the same period totaled 4310 tons, down 27% year-on-year.

Industry analysts expect the new agreement to stabilize trade flows and expand opportunities for higher-value US poultry exports once government data reporting resumes after the recent shutdown.